Lost You Forever (2023)

Beautiful cinematography ; remarkable acting and such a pleasure to watch

I ventured upon LYF while waiting on new episodes for another drama - with the result of completely dropping the other drama to rewatch LYF obsessively when it wasn't updating. I had expected just another popular xianxia romance that are dropped a dime a dozen these days in C-drama land but instead was blown away with the quality of the production. The story was good but didn't seem too special to me - with common themes of ambition, family, love, and kindness. However, the ensemble performance of the actors along with the beautiful artistry in the setting and the captivating screenwriting really captured me. In general, the casting was superb - and every role was likable. The sheer beauty of each frame also just blew me away - I usually skip about half of each C-drama I watch as they are usually slow and draggy- LFY is still slow - but it was such a pleasure to slow down with it to savor the beauty of each scene - the beauty of the set combined with the costumes and the charisma of the actors. This was an ensemble casting with the romance line drawn mainly between the FL and the second and third ML who both had backgrounds in dancing. I think this paid off hugely in the artistry of each scene - the actors' silhouettes gracing the beautiful landscape surreally leaving us mortals sighing at the Chinese mystical fairyland.

Story - This is a story that is steeped in Confucian culture- the world illustrated is quite traditional but with wisps of modernity - a world where women are allowed to be generals (such as the FL's mother) ; bodyguards; can do anything (even fight or make weapons!) as well as men - and are yet mostly still shut out of the top of the political economic structure. Harems are the norm ( I find it ironic that it is always the case in a 'reverse harem' story) and filial piety and tribalism rules the day. It seems that this is based on the common acknowledged social structure and the men's inter personal relations. Yet, in a world like this, the FL wishes to be able to stand on her own and not get hurt emotionally. Her one rule in marriage: that the guy must be solely devoted to her and not have any other women, seems impossible again and again to fulfill - it competes against manly ambitions; against loyalty/nationalism ; even against family interests. For people familiar with Chinese culture, many scenes in the movie are reminiscent to me a bit of the Story of the Red Chamber - with TSJ (2nd ML) especially having both the look and feel of Jia Baoyu - tragic, sensitive, almost feminine. In the original book, the take and illustration of TSJ's kindness and refusal to give in to hate and revenge is rather controversial with many readers seeing him as weak, and siding instead with the heroic Xiang Liu. The drama's stance feels more on TSJ's side - and the portrayal is quite masterful. Many details added in the drama enrich the original story and I'd go to say that this is the one rare occasion where the drama is at least as good, if not even better, than the novel.

Acting- I am blown away by the ensemble cast. Yang Zi was predictably good here but it was great to see that the five relatively unknown actors paired with her sometimes actually outshine her. The fresh faces are exciting to see and one hopes to see their careers develop over the next few years. Scenes featuring YZ and Zhangwanyi emphasize their skills in acting - YZ and TJC have a mystical romantic feel and the DW/YZ interactions are pure eye candy. I didn't have to fast forward any scenes on the first go. On my second viewing, I found myself mostly focused on scenes with Deng Wei and especially the Yao Jing or Liu/Shiqi scenes. Given DW's relative newcome status, I thought at first that was because of the characterization of his character and how likable it is. By the end of the 39 episodes, however, I have to say his acting was actually solid. Details were handled very precisely and I've never seen any character suffer so beautifully. DW really embodied TSJ/YSQ - given how green he is, I hope he can continue to develop his skills and bring us more productions in the future.

Music - as in many C-dramas I think they use and repeat the music way too much but the tunes are nice and beautiful. The novel emphasized the use of the zither and how beautifully TSJ can play it - I wish the drama did better with that. Given how classy the rest of the drama feels, it would have really been nice to really use zither music than modern ones. But at least it all sounds pretty good and catchy.

Cinematography - I was blown away with how beautiful the scenes were and even the CGI didn't feel fake! Many times I get annoyed at the use of cute little animals in xianxia c-drama as cheap tricks for little girls but I admit actually falling for both the Chubby bird and the White Fox spirit. I'm happy the producers didn't feel adding the cuteness dragged the artistry of the production down and it was nice to see a xianxia production that actually felt serious and classy.

Last take - Yang Zi has been a queen of xianxia ever since AOL was released. I think this is the best production yet she's in. It is worth all the angst and time and express pass money spent on it to watch and savor. I do think it is time for Yang Zi to move onto another genre but for now I am grateful for this production and of her leading the whole cast in making this drama memorable.

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I am in Love with this drama

This drama really is the best cdrama I have seen besides the Untamed (nothing will top that haha). Everything about it is just so good. You have really pretty people on screen. The costumes are fantastic.

The build-up, the slow burn, everything just runs very smoothly. Nothing drags on. We already have some very iconic scenes in the drama and we aren’t even halfway done yet.

Casting/Characters: This is Yang Zi’s best role so far. I am so happy that she chose this role. With Xiaoluo/xiaoyao we finally get to see Yang Zi act to her full potential. In Ashes of Love and Immortal Samsara her roles start off with being some sort of diety, I think like a pea or fish or something, and she starts off pretty annoying. Her voice is all high-pitched and chipper, and acting wise, she acts very young, I am sure she is portaying a very young character, but whatever, what I am trying to say is that she played these very stereotypical, annoying female lead protagonists. The one that you see in just about every fantasy xianxia drama these days. Nothing new, and nothing spectacular. But here, she is a women in hiding as a man. She clearly went through some very traumatic events, and although we don’t know exactly why, this brings lots of depth to her character, and we see her react to certain situations in a specific way because of her past traumas. She gets put through the wringer time and time again and my gosh, can this women act. She is just so good. I love all of the MLs. I had never watched any show with them in it before and they all steal the show in their own way. They are all very different from each other and are not too tropey. Every character is likable, I like every ML so far. You have one who is perfect, one who is flawed, but has his reasons, the evil brooding bad boy, and the good2shoes royal family one. I just love it.

Story: The story seems to be pretty unique. It is centered around the FL and it is basically about her living in the world around her and meeting characters who change her world and how she reacts to that. That is what I will say so I don't spoil the show.

(spoilers) Episode 16 or 17 her past cousin finally finds out who she is. I love how we didn’t have to wait for the whole show for him to find out, and the way he finds out is perfect. It is different from what I would have expected. It is unpredictable, and I think what I like most about this show is how unpredictable it is. These days with dramas, since they are popped out just about every other week, the stories become bland and very predictable. And then when he finds out the whole section of the episode where he is going over every event they had been through and how poorly he treated her and her saving him and finally realizing, like yes, it had been a little obvious… its just so good. He goes to her and helps to heal her leg which he broke, the acting of this man, mmmmmmm it is perfect. Go watch the scene, he goes to the room, so blank and heals her leg, and the first thing he says is very soft, he asks if her legs hurt and looks at her in a way which you cannot deny, he found pout and that is when her reaction changes too, from brushing it off to knowing that he found out and oooo its good. Then when she finally admits to being his sister, when she thinks her mom came back. OMG is it good? It is too good, the voice acting, the performance, it is so heart-wrenching I just :((((((((. (end of spoilers)

Music: The music is so pretty in this show. They don't play music throughout the whole show which is very appreciated. The music helps to tell the story and set the mood, it really adds to the scene. The first ending song is my favorite. I seriously cried after the first episode when it started playing.

Update: I have watched around 20ish episodes now and the story only keeps getting better. You know a cdrama is good when you are questioning if all the 50ish episodes will tell the whole story or not. We see Xiaoyao as herself in her true form and how she adapts to the new world around her. I like how the drama doesn't change her character entirely, she still acts how she used too and has trouble living in the palace. The MLs are all starting to compete for her and it is a treat to watch. I love all of the MLs, I would not be mad if any of them got with her; they are all so swoonworthy. I used to have a favorite, but not anymore haha.

Last update: I love how many plot twists this show has. Seriously, the plot twists are very unpredictable and I really enjoy them; they make the show very entertaining. My pick for her for which ML she should be with kept changing. I love it! Can't wait for season 2!

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Bawled my eyes

First I had my eyes on this full white "man" that I know soon his will make my heart ache whether it's on screen or read the novel
Only on novel he doesn't express Why he did things when everything he did comes with a price.
Then after finishing it... I knew deep down.. I love tu Shan Jing.
He is the best you can hope for someone who you want eternally.
Even xiaoyao endured alot of pains, physically and mentally. I still kinda envy her that she is never alone... literally alone.she always has someone..to care for her and stuff even it's on secret way to do.unlike Jing...
He also endured so much,yet he overcomed everything with only hope he has for xiaoyao.and he is way too amazing on handling everything that what I know even us..wouldn't do what he does when it comes to negativity.
Sorry to spoil I guess but I may not want to move on yet.
What I'm looking forward is seeing what I have read on screen. The actors and the Actresses are so good in bringing the character alive. I'm so amazed.
I said all of em. Yes all.
Yanzi, wan Yi,deng wei,hong Yi, jianci gege.
Standing ovation for all of you
May fortune downpour on you always.
Gbu

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A great story that has an underlying message, "Sometimes, we don't deserve to have good things."

In the beginning, the story folded out very well. All of the characters have some kind of potential and brought lots of joys to the drama. Each character added a unique emotion to their scenes. Watching it, we can see the efforts put into this drama by Yangzi, WY, TJC, and DW. In the first 10 episodes, Yangzi holds the drama with her stellar acting. We felt all kinds of emotions. As the drama unfolded, Cang Xuan and Deng wei took 11 to 20 episodes on their back with their amazing performances. Epi 21 to 26 Tan Jianci stole our hearts and attention. When the romance between Jing and XY starts, I feel like that drama went downhill from there up until XL appears again to save XY 30 to 32. After that, the drama pretty much went downhill. Only watchable when XL appeared. Some people will understand why while others will not. It's ok. Just my opinion.

Characters Wise:
In the beginning, Xiao Yao was independent. She didn't need any man in her life to complete her. However, after she became a princess, her character development went from a mature woman to a jealous girl in love. However, that is not the case with all of the male leads. She is very smart FL but when it comes to her love's life, she is clueless and dense.
CX - XY is mature, understanding, supportive
TSJ-XY is sometimes immature and jealous, going back and forth with TSJ's Fiancee issue.
XL-XY is mature, understanding on a deep level, heart-to-heart conversation, deep emotions
Cang Xuan - XY and CX got two of the purest, family loves that have ever been portrayed in Drama Land. They got each other back and will be ready to die for each other. However, throughout this ordeal, CX has to keep his one-sided love to himself due to his goal to protect Xy by becoming the King of Xiyan. Throughout this journey, he has used XY for his political gain but has also protected her along the way. Along the way, he has some character development. He went from being an overprotective brother to an understanding brother. Unfortunately, he will lose XY due to his yearning for XY's loves.
TSJ - TSJ is one of the kindest, purest men but has no backbone which becomes his weakness in the future. He is attentive but sometimes, that attentiveness is overdone. Imagine a guy asking you to go meet him and when you don't, he stays there until you feel bad enough to show up. In addition, locking down XY with a 15-year promise when he hasn't sorted out his Fiancee issues and continues for many more episodes. Also, his chemistry with XY as Shiqi was strong but once he become TSJ, he became weaker, and his chemistry with XY, for me, just kind of appeared boring from Epi 26-28 due to him never sorting out his Fiancee issue. Like come on dude, you have 39 episodes to sort out your life.
Xiang Liu - is my biased but I won't go into detail about why I love him. After episode 32, I cannot watch other people's scenes anymore. I skipped and watch XL's scenes because his scenes always make me cry and smile like an idiot. I get it. Although he has the bad boy aura, he is truly a person who is straightforward, goal-orientated, and knows what he wants-cleaning up XY and Jing's messes for them. Although he did some unforgivable things to the female, he also repaid her back with more than what he did to her: taking the love bug, giving XY his life twice, and saving Jing from death so XY and Jing can have a happy ending. His character development was one of the greatest, most complex characters created since AOL and 1000P.
As you reach Epi 32, you will start to understand why the title is so sad. However, XY and Jing deserved each other. I am glad XL will get the result that he has since the beginning till now. Sometimes, a happy ending is realizing your dreams.


Spoilers:

What pisses me off after I got to epi 32?
Everyone fighting about who deserves XY but did anyone observe whether XY deserve them?
In my opinion, XY is selfish, indecisive, weak, reliant, and not as independent as the beginning XY before she met all of them. Her character development turns for the worse.
She and Jing truly deserved each other. I am glad that they will kill XL after all the shit that he has done and will be doing for both of these two weak characters.
At this point, I am so done with this drama. Xiang Liu and Cangxuan are the only two characters holding this drama together. Without their presence, it is probably just another weak romance story.
I'm glad the author put the title "Lost You Forever" with regret and the possibility of what could have been. The author realized that sometimes, we don't deserve good things. Although some said the title is for CangXuan and XY, but I disagree. The title is for all of the main characters. Although it is a HE for XY and Jing, only a sad title is what they both deserved. Just my opinion.

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Zhang Wan Yi as Chang Xuan is superb

This drama has an unusual romantic plot among all C-costume dramas I have watched.

The story is about Chang Xuan and his journey to find and protect the only love of his life, his cousin sister, Xiao Yao. A promise he made to his paternal aunt, Xiao Yao's mother, before she went to war to fight against Qi Yo/ Chi Chen, Xiao Yao's biological father.

In order to meet his objective, he must win the throne from his ailing paternal grandfather, King of Xiyan.

Chang Xuan's journey to the throne isn't smooth: he has to plot, manipulate, strategise, compromise and sacrifice his own happiness for his only objective ie. Xiao Yao must be protected at all cost. However, he is also faced with romantic competitions from other males for Xiao Yao's hand of marriage such as Tushan Jing, Chi Sui Feng Long and Fang Feng Bei.

Will he succeed in protecting Xiao Yao and be with her and love her forever like they promised to each other when they were little? Viewers are to watch and find it out themselves before reading the novel.

Zhang Wan Yi's portrayal as Chang Xuan is flawlessly effortless. When he yearns for Xiao Yao, his audience feel the same emotion and weep for him. He dominates the stage with his acting when he is present in the room. A talented actor.

I've seen another drama, The Bond (2021) with him as one of the leads. Although his screen times are shorter compared to other leads, his are still the best.

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IM HOOKED UNTIL NOTHING LEFT

Not gonna exaggerating or adding MSG for a review purpose, but this one deserves to be one of the best Cdramas Ive ever watched so far. Been watching a lot of Cdramas throughout my life, only a few managed to catch my heart and soul. This one is one of it.

Wonderful theme, scripting, and acting. Definitely incorporated information into the storyline very well.

This is also my first time to participate on Wangyi's performance here as I am not familiar with his projects before, he really BELONGED to Zhuan Xu's portrayal . The rest of the casts also played their part brilliantly and so far, I am invested and there is no turning back. Yangzi as a beautiful lady Xiaoyao, and man in disguise Xiaoliu, Dengwei as a sweet sly fox Tu Shan Jing, Tan Jian Ci as a seductive 9 heads demon and last but not least our baby Hongyi as a clueless - no - woman-beside as Feng Long. I wanted to raise my praise for every casts here, but it would be too long but they are all giving brilliant acting.

I have read the novels before during the Covid, the plot is interesting and stay true to novel. My review does not contain spoiler as I knew probably all the watchers have already read it and understand how it went until the end.

For people who is questioning whether to watch it or otherwise, please dont stop yourself from watching this MASTERPIECE . you gonna miss a lot

thank you

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A MASTERPIECE

The first half or the Season 1 of LYF has ended and god knows when will the other half be released.
The last drama historical drama that I loved was love like the Galaxy after that I'm extremely In Love With This drama.
Whether you talk about the Main Plot, Character Story, OSTs Action scene or CGI is everything just remarkable
As for me 1st episode was a bit boring but provided the background story of the main leads and from the 2nd episode onward the drama started to get quite interesting and slowly it captive me and left me wanting more and more... Sadly it has ended... waiting for S2.
Reverse harem is one of my favourite genres if done right and here all the boys are very well-versed in their field, Everyone has picked a side of their favourite ML but whoever I pick I always feel bad for others, we only have 1 Xiaoyao how am I supposed to divide her into 3 boys TT TT
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Yang Zi as Xiaoyao & Wen Xiaoliu: She has always been an amazing actress but the way she has played these 2 characters I don't think anyone else could have, She has given heart and soul to her both characters. As Wen XiaoLiu; she immersed herself into a perfect middle-aged man (and I can never forget her walk as WXL) and the transformation of her 2 characters was very good even though she turned into a girl she still had that little boyishness in her.
Xiaoyao; an identity she had left many years ago due to abandonment by her mother & father. She lived her life for herself and was always cautious of her surroundings and never relied on others, and the only life she ever wanted was to be with someone whose first choice will always be her, someone who will never abandon her.
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Wan Yi as Cang Xuan: WANYI, it's the first time I have seen him Act and I'm too Impressed cause his character Cang Xuan has suffered so much in past and lost every person dear to him, all these scars have left him with great ambition to conquer the world and get a life where he can protect his younger sister (cousin sister) the only family he has left. To me, his character is too pitiful and yet at the same time he is an exploiter using his scheming mind to make good use of every person around him.
I sympathise with him to the point then I'm like no boy don't do this you will regret it. eg; Jing has been helping him with so many things behind the curtain and still I feel he is ungrateful to him, I know Xiaoyao means the world to him yet when he wants he asks her to go meet with Jing and Fenglong, then become possessive of her being to close to them, if only he could let go of his ambition them he could have been the one she loved but sadly he didn't. Wanyi, he showed all these emotions so brilliantly that I love him as much as I hate him. :(
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Deng Wei as Ye ShiQi & Tushan Jing: Jing Met Xiaoyao at the time when he was going through the same things which Xiaoyao went through Years ago or maybe worse, he was extremely tortured, humiliated and then kicked out by his brother. Jing was near death when Xiaoyao picked him and gave him a new life and purpose as Shiqi. Although he once was a famous Tushan family heir, Now all he wanted was to accompany the person who gave him a 2nd chance at life.
He desired to be with Xiaoyao because he knew fame glory wealth is of no use if you can't be with one person you love.
Dengwei whether as jing or as shiqi was always pleasing to the eyes and ears (although his voice was dubbed :P). Despite his suffering, he remained a kind-hearted gentleman and the person Xiaoyao loved because for him Xiaoyao is always no.1, he would rather than live without her. TT TT
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Jian Ci as Xiangliu & Fang Feng Bei: Before this, I knew Jiaci as a singer and Funny Tan'ge in variety shows, seeing him act for the first time I was star struck, Xiang Liu from the start was a difficult character to play, and he perfectly played that cold nine-headed demon Aura (Superb Acting). Despite all of his actions I love him to the core and is my favourite character from the series. He played 2 different characters which showed his dynamic acting skill as well as those actions as General XiangLiu (just WOW), I think if only he showed A Little more interest in XiaoYao or Expressed His Feeling in a Better Way H could end up with her, but that's what his personality/character is all about being a *silent lover*. I read a comment where someone expressed he should have a maid beside him who could express his sacrifice and feelings to Xiaoyao but sadly there was no one to do so... Xiaoyao always saw them being just a Business, him using her for blood or helping her in exchange of something :(...
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bonus; The writer has always shown the "What could have been" perspective of the drama by giving the main characters an alter ego:
Xiao Yao and Wen XiaoLiu
Cang Xuan and Xuan
Tushan Jing and Ye Shiqi
Xiang Liu and Fang Feng Bei
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Yangzi And her chemistry with all Her Co-star 10/10
All the actor played their character so well that their emotions and their dialogue delivery are top class 10/10
I bet whoever is gonna watch it is going to love the drama. INDEED A MASTERPIECE
soo much excited for season 2, hope it airs soon or ill die of curiosity... TT TT TT TT

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The plot lost between the simping, stalking and the sea of angst.

This drama makes me confused. Logically, I don’t even think it’s that good. Sure, some characters are interesting, some have great arcs, but the overall plot was barely developed and it’s mostly the female lead bouncing between the three and half male leads (I’m sorry Feng Long, but I forgot you were even a legit option and actually part of the main cast).

That said, it’s ridiculously addicting and entertaining. I saw all the flaws, but I could not stop watching. I feel like it’s one of the dramas with well written characters and basic, underdeveloped plot. Xiao Yao had barely anything going on for her in terms of the story, but just her personality and her interactions with other characters were enough for me to adore her. Xiyan Cang Xuan's fight for the throne seemed more like a first draft than a proper strategy, and yet I love him and the internal struggle, suppressed emotions and the conflicts he had to face were amazing. Xiang Liu had some of the best character developments in the whole show, slow, well paced, realistic. He did not become an angel, the core of the character never changed, but with each and every scene we’ve got to see all the layers of personalities he had.

While I disliked Tushan Jing a lot, even his character was written in a proper way, I just don’t vibe with him. That said, the struggle between his own desires and the newly found responsibilities was well presented.

Another aspect deserving some appreciation was the variety of female characters. More straightforward and tomboyish Xiao Yao, who is truly daring and loyal. Nian who went from annoying brat, to sweet sister (whom I also adored by the end of the show - biggest surprise for me), Fangfeng Yi Ying with her cunning nature and desperate actions, calculative, but also honest Chenrong Xin Yue. Truth to be told, I appreciated all the female characters, and at times I wished the drama would focus on them more.

What’s more to love? The visuals. Not me taking over 1000 screenshots. The costumes were beautiful, the scenery breathtaking, set designs amazing. Visually speaking, there was nothing to hate and a lot to love.

The acting was great. The only performance I struggle to judge is Deng Wei as Tushan Jing - I disliked the character so much, I am not going to act like a clown and pretend like I can be objective here. That said, the whole cast MASTERED the suppressed angst - everyone delivered in that area and these scenes were truly the highlight of the whole drama for me.

Overall, extremely enjoyable watch, even if by the end I felt like there was barely any plot. I wanted to see more detail in Xiyan Cang Xuan journey. I also wished to see more of Nian, since she became one of my favorite characters. I disliked how unbalanced all the relationships were, as someone who prefers partnership, the simping and pinning, and sacrificing at times was too much - rolling eyes was inevitable.

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A very entertaining drama of 2023

I don't think I can explain how the story is deeply engrossing to me, but I will try.
 
The central plot of the series focuses on the relationship dynamics between Xiao Yao and Cang Xuan (the two protagonists). They were inseparable when they were kids. They were each other's world. A series of misfortunes and sufferings befall their relationship, and they were separated for three centuries.
 
The FL has deep, imbedded scars from all the things that she experienced while she was separated from her "gege". She is not the same little girl that the ML used to know. Will that affect the kind of relationship they had before? As for the ML, I can see that he is now a good candidate to become a great emperor because he is really calculating, cunning, and ruthless. His relationship with her will probably be put to the test by the many decisions he needs to make. The question is what kind of path he would take—will he choose the right one or not?
 
As a viewer, I find it exciting to know what direction their story will go. Not only will the two protagonists have to make up for the lost time, but they will also have to deal with lots of other things. The biggest one will be the other male characters, who will play a vital part in the female lead's life. I really can't wait for everything to start unfolding.
 
Big kudos, by the way, to the whole cast and crew for making me feel enthralled by the world-building, storytelling, and acting from everyone! The actors and actresses play their respective characters extremely well. This drama is a depiction of a very popular novel by a well-known Chinese author. Mediocre acting from the cast will be heavily criticized by now from viewers, but that is not the case, and I hope they will be consistent about their portrayal all throughout the show.
 
I am enthralled with Lost You Forever and hope that I won't be let down as a viewer. I will get back to this review after I have finished watching everything. ✨

----- continuation-----

I deducted 1.5 points in my review. It doesn't seat well with me that the FL is having conflicting feelings between two male leads. I have read my fair share of books and mangas (The Legend of Basara, Saiunkoku Monogatari, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, etc) where "reversed-harem" is one of the themes, but those heroines never wavered despite whatever circumstance befall her and her love interest.

-----continuation-----
I brought back a.5 rating to this drama because of some realizations I had. The female lead (XY) wants the best man for her. A peaceful, happy life with a devoted partner is what she is looking for, and she always reminds us of that as viewers.

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Season 1 finale: 9.5/10 score.

I think season 1 of this drama gives me a great feeling of love and longing. I want to know how they will conclude all of the unfinished conflicts in season 2 because I really like how everything is written according to how it was in the novel. I'm excited to see how they will conclude everything next season.

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If you are a sucker of good acting,wonderful storyline and beautiful casts then go for it!

I'll try to not give any spoilers.

So if you're searching for a good historical drama and you're considering watching this then just go for it. This drama is adapted from a very famous novel written by Tong Hua and she's also the screenwriter of this drama. So ofc she won’t destroy her own work
But still I was a little afraid of this adaptation because they're not good at adapting these dramas as same the novels. But when I watched the first episodes and trailers I was so assured. I didn’t have any doubts about Yang Zi's acting. She's nailing this role again!
I'm ranking the acting of main characters
Yang Zi>Zhang Wanyi> TanJianci>Dai Luwa>Deng Wei
Tan Jianci did so good!

If we talk about the story, Xiao Yao is disguised as a male character named Wen Xiaoliu and works in a small town as a physician. So naturally this appearance or hers will be shady,poor,no makeup like a hard working male. I heard some people who are rating this drama with 1 star just by watching the poster saying that she's not beautiful enough to get this role 🤣
Like how badly you wanna say that you didn’t even watched a single episode not even trailers 😭

As for Tan Jianci's character, he's a nine header demon serpent. So naturally his character is a bit cruel and ruthless. Idk why some people are taking advantage of this and saying that it’s supporting female abuses! Xiang Liu abuses her cause It's in his nature, and Cang Xuan doesn’t even know she's a girl and as for A nian, well she's also a girl.
I didn’t rate rewatch value 10 because this story will make you cry every in episode!😭

It has a great storyline,MARVELLOUS acting and ofc handsome and beautiful casts! If you just have some patience and watch this you’ll get hooked up for real!

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DON'T READ THIS IF YOU AVOIDING SPOILERS - S1

I would consider this as the best 2023 drama. Adaptation from the novel with author Tong Hua, she's also participated in write the script. The novel has 3 phases which Season 1 covered one and half phases of the novel, bet the other one & half phases will be covered in season 2. The story was about Xiao Yao (or Haoling Jiu Yao) a beloved Princess of Hao Ling Kingdom who got lost to wilderness at really young age. She had the magic talent to transform herself into anyone any age any gender, so much so she forgot her real face. She's transformed as Wen Xiao Liu, a male doctor whose expertise in fertility as well as poison, she rescued an old deserter soldier Lao Mu and 2 human Cheng Zhi, Ma Zi and they were creating a family bond in a small town Qing Shui. One day, at the bank of a river Xiao Liu decided to rescue a beggar who were so badly injured and close to his last breath. He took care of him, medicated him, feed and wash him till he's back to health. The family decided to name him Ye Shi Qi. They bonded well and ShiQi learned quick doctoring and help out with the family business - like every thing was so ordinary and humble yet very rewarding. Then, there's news that some newcomers came to town to open a wine shop in the neighborhood; Xuan LaoBan & A Nian with their respective helpers, a dashing respectable young man with his beautiful spoil cousin. They opened business that became well known and a favorite stop for villagers. Xiao Liu's family got altercation with A Nian, resulting confrontation and nasty fight defending their side of family argumentation. Meanwhile, Wen Xiao Liu also met the most horrible General Xiang Liu, Nine-headed sea demon, military Advisor of Chen Rong Kingdom.

**Xiao Yao (Haoling Jiu Yao) a beloved Princess of Hao Ling Kingdom/Wen Xiao Liu (Yang Zhi)
She's a princess of Hao Ling, the granddaughter of Emperor Huan Yuan. She got lost in the young age looking for her father, went through some horrific experiences since then, in order to survive she used her magic to transform her identity frequently until she forgot her real face. She's kind, loyal, afraid of loneliness, free spirit, coy, well liked. Been through alot since early age, she's always on the survival mode. Her undying love to TuShan Jing was the product of his devotion to their relationship, the proven ups-down relationship from their lowest life experience to most happiest time together thru time and time again. She didn't see any man could compare with Jing while she enthralled with Xiang Liu and fully supportive and dedicated to Cang Xuan or friendship towards Feng Long, in her eyes Jing was the most important man in her life. She'e pretty forward with her love interest, she initiated the approach. Her undying support to Cang Xuan was because she wanted to be in his side in their path together, she wanted Cang Xuan to achieve happiness towards his goal. Although Xiang Liu treated her in abusive way, she got to experience many thing while travel with him and...exciting to be with the bad boy. Chishui Feng Long was her first official fiance, she didn't love him, she agreed to get engage with him after heartbreak with Jing and she thought she could help strengthen Cang Xuan position by marrying him which ended she left him at the altar.

**Cang Xuan (Zhuan Xu), Prince of Xi Yan Kingdom (Zhang Wan Yi)
He's ambitious, intelligence, firm, loyal. This's the journey of his top ambition to became an Emperor. He married many women, had 2 Empresses but his happiness were deep secret corner in his heart for Xiao Yao. His marriages were for political purposes, he didn't care much about the wives, his fully concentration was to the political gain, strategy, plots, securing states and the people, wise governing the county, stability projection for all tribes and offered peace. But he secretly harbor deep affection and love for his cousin, get really upset and jealous to any man close to Xiao Yao. He used her for political piece, he let Xiao Yao to have relationship with Jing to gain political/monetary support from TuShan Clan, he let Xiao Yao engaged to Feng Long for support from big clan ChiShui. He's happy with the break up between Jing and Xiao Yao or/and when Xiao Yao left Feng Long at the altar. Eating his heart alive, he couldn't let Xiao Yao go until he made a terrible mistake; he had his hand killing TuShan Jing. Xiao Yao found out, all their strong bond loving relationship shattered broken...irreparable. But Xiao Yao couldn't hate him...she'd rather die than hurting him. A powerful Emperor live in a lonely on top of the world.

**Tushan Jing /Ye Shiqi, second young master and successor of Tushan Tribe (Deng Wei)
Wen Xiao Liu rescued him back to health when he was broken, injured, battered unrecognizable almost a dead man. He 's decided to become Xiao Liu servant to show gratitude, he worked hard around the house, really smart quickly learn medicine to help out with clinic. Who knew he was the famous 2nd young master for the most richest powerful business family who would someday became the successor of Tushan clan. TuShan Jing was a prodigy as reserved, handsome, gentle, loyal, great personality, highly intelligent, screw businessman, no ambition in politic, brilliant accountant, calm, literate, master in playing qing and chess who had magnitude responsibilities and dysfunctional family. Unfortunately he's engaged to Fangfeng Yi Ying - a master of arrow shooter - he went missing few days before their wedding. He also had a jealous older brother TuShan Hao, who tortured Jing - traumatic emotional and physical abuser, he's the one who impregnate Yi Ying and claimed the baby was Jing's that caused Jing and Xiao Yao broke up (too bad his trusted beloved grandmother betrayed him), promised in 15 years time he wished to be back as Ye ShiQi and leave his position was broken and he married Yi Ying. Tushan Jing was a highly intelligent man, he's devious in regard to win back Xiao Yao, he initiated to wreck Xiao Yao wedding to Feng Long. His idea to support Cang Xuan was behind the screen, he devised strategy for ambitious Feng Long. His quiet and calm demeanor gave wrong impression to his peers. Jings love was forlorn yet beautifully sweet determination...with so much coaxing and pleading he won Xiao Yao understanding and heart many times over.

** Xiang Liu Nine-headed sea demon. Military Advisor of Chen Rong Kingdom/Fangfeng Bei Second young master of Fangfeng Tribe - Yang Yi's brother (Tan Jian Ci) He's an eccentric, boorish, crude, unpredictable, powerful, killer for hire, tackles but he had a soft spot for Xiao Liu. Although he treated her like a hot potato, his action spoke better than his words. He used Xiao Liu/Yao for her medicated blood saving his life many times and her knowledge of poisons, he endured many BS Xiao Liu tell but he liked his company. He could actually act gentlemanly as FangFeng Bai which he became Xiao Yao's arrow teacher, took her to gambling den, drinks and going about town, fun to be around with. He attempted to offer his heart to Xiao Yao but got rejected, he understood she only had her eyes to TuShan Jing, he realized they both came from totally different status. As they both were connected by lover bugs, he immediately knew whenever Xiao Yao got hurt. When Xiao Yao was critically injured, Xiang Liu came right up to save here. At the end though he righted the wrongs, sacrificed so much, gave up everything just to save a woman he really loved without asking anything back...none of those he wished Xiao Yao not to know about. He also saved TuShan Jing, an unlikely friendship just because they're actually made business transaction many times over.

**Chishui Feng Long/ChiShui Young Chief (Wang Hong Yi)
He's TuShan Jing's best friend, very ambitious, easy going and twin brother of Chenrong Xin Yue (Wang Zhen) one of Cang Xuan's Empress. TuShan Jing introduced Feng Long to Cang Xuan for him to gain strong political ally, Jing tought Feng Long strategies for him to pass it along to Cang Xuan which he thought Feng Long was such an amazing brilliant strategist. Although Jing knew Feng Long was interested in Xiao Yao, he shamelessly used him to lure Xiao Yao to their resident so he could woo her in person. Feng Long pledged alliance to Cang Xuan, helped him to gain power and became Great General, proposed marriage to Xiao Yao which's accepted after Xiao Yao broke up with Jing. His friendship to Jing was deteriorated when he knew Jing steal Xiao Yao at the wedding ceremony. He became Cang Xuan's right hand, most trusted general, best friend, strong ally. At the end though, he tried to kill Xiao Yao whose Cang Xuan's most treasured person. Because of regret, Feng Long requested to go war against Chen Rong rebel Army and died at the hand of Xiang Liu. His last words hunted Cang Xuan...

What I love about this drama is consistency interpretation from book to drama, outstanding setting, explosion of details, flowing story, beautiful costumes, great collaboration between main and supporting actors, loving the OST. I think this is a perfect casting, can't think anyone else perfect for the roles. Yang Zhi is perfect Wen Xiao Liu, Zhang WenYi is definitely Cang Xuan, Deng Wei is a quite gentle TuShan Jing, Tan jianCi has Xiang Liu's aura, while Wang HongYi has easy going Feng Long. I think Yang Zhi isn't a great beauty that would captured 4 men's heart (but love can do weird things to us) that would lay down their lives for her, Ep 32 she started to fall into her usual cringe chatty high pitch little girl voice - let's skip that part. I found that Deng Wei & Tan Jian Ci (he had terrifying murderous laugh) did great with their characters more so than the other. 3 strong-characters and overly ambitious men, Xiao Yao is well matched with Tushan Jing who has calm characters that so different from the rest. 39 episodes ended the Season 1 when Cang Xuan was choosen as next Emperor of Xi Yuan Kingdom and looking forward for season 2 where all this manifestation complete.

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