-Overall cast acting was wonderful. Everyone did their jobs admirably even if I didn't like all the characters.
-Character development was fine with special shout out for the complex dynamic between Emperor/Empress/Consort, and the nuanced portrayal of Yuan Shen.
-Chemistry between the leads was sweet but no fireworks for me.
-My enjoyment of the romance was diminished by CSS's constant assertion of victimhood. The lack of ownership for her own immature behaviors towards authority got tiring after repeated occurrences. There are other "victims" too, like Lou Yao who had to marry for duty, all the ladies married off to loveless marriages for political reasons, people whose entire clans get massacred etc CSS is loyal and kind towards those who don't oppose her actions but is unrepentant and wilfull when called out for bad or unsafe behaviors. Sort of a cross between Mary Sue and spoiled child. It's only until someone she loves is seriously hurt or near death that she capitulates and becomes remorseful. Overall, CSS characterization is frustrating and hard to root for.
-Series felt draggy in parts with uneven pacing. I started with binge watching the series but by episode 30+, I started to lose steam with zero emotional investment at the end.
-Too many whiny, spoiled princesses and jealous "mean girl" situations. These scenes appear to "justify" CSS's vengeance and make her out to be righteous with petty retributions in disregard to rules and propriety.
-Leo Wu is hot.