Watch, watch, watch...especially if you want a short break from exaggerated xianxia magic!

I am still 'newish' to cdramas so please do forgive me if my review is not as detailed as others, or if I have missed anything about chinese culture and history, I am still learning so I can't add what I don't know yet!

If you are looking for 'far from innocent', even doubtful main characters, enjoy period cdramas ( and possibly looking for a break from over the top wuxia and xianxia storylines) then add this to your cdrama binge watch list!

The cinematography, tone and entire vibe of the drama are very mature, and realistic ( no xianxia style magic in sight) which I personally enjoyed for a change, but there are moments when you 'remember' that you are watching fiction - the fake blood used is not the best, very obvious ( more like unedible cherry sauce), whenever the characters display their frustration or anger, I noticed the camera zoomed in on their clenched fists..nearly EVERY time and.......WHY?! It did start to annoy me the more I observed a pattern of that as the plot and characters developed! Even the actor who played one of the 'revealed' villains, Lord Pingnan , had more than a few scenes with exaggerated facial expressions more suited to a pantomime, but he did get better towards the end!

As for the main characters, both the male and female lead are not innocent, but 2 opposing magnets that match each other in manipulation, ruthlessly know one another's flaws and darkest secrets, and there are times where you might find it challenging to 'root for' or really support them as some of their choices and decisions are greyish at best, but equally display a level of shrewdness that even a leading anti-hero may not show!

It would have been really cool to see the 2nd male lead ( a rising military general- like character) and his father have more visibility and screen time in the middle episodes - without spoiling what happens to them, but there are approx. 5 episodes ( can't remember exactly) where they don't appear.....at all! I know why, but I would have liked to see the 2nd male lead get shipped with another female character and what both he and his father do.....with their unfortunate yet temporary fall from grace ( I'll leave it at that!)

I don't know if this was intended but even the name of the palace in the story, Kunning = is very close to the word 'cunning' in English, so maybe that can be a hint to international/ English speaking audiences about the 'cunningness' that is threaded throughout the drama by several characters, and of course, by the main characters!

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If you are looking for a cutesy modern cdrama.......

Then this is a very good drama to start with.

Focusing on the FL's innocent singleness, and her fan girl admiration with a young popular author, after making an unintentional wish about having her own 'unforgettable love', the ML in Ming Dynasty attire, enters her world ( this is where
I thought he could fit into a Wuxia style drama prequel).

There is an innocent tension between the main leads throughout the story, until the ML 'realises' his feelings toward the FL. The ML character is delivered spot on by CZY, adding realistic credibility and depth to a character that not only believes he has time travelled into the future (modern China), adapts to his 'new reality' only to realise that he is just.....( That's a spoiler I can't reveal...).
What did throw me back was the ML's sudden displays of more aggressive interactions and 'rough handling' of the FL ( on one occasion, he grabbed her by the arm to turn to him, when he tried to avoid her he 'jokingly' threatened to 'remove her head'( I'm typing this politely!) then in another he almost picks up and moves her to the side to be in front of him - women are NOT dolls to be grabbed, threatened, toyed with nor moved around! Again, maybe this is how the screenwriters wrote the character, but I was also surprised by the FL's 'non-reaction' and not displaying clear disapproval, resistance or at least discomfort ! The FL is still not weak, but I didn't understand why, even if she was in love with the ML, acknowledge this rough treatment!

*** I get it is a drama, acting, but a lot of not so healthy, confusing messages are pumped into society from entertainment ****

Aside from this observation, this is a surprisingly good drama to watch where all actors deliver their roles well, even if they are a second, third or even cameo role. I also liked how the overall tone and vibe of the drama is innocent, light hearted, yet held together with a sprinkling of wuxia fantasy and down to earth realism.

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A very mature and original wuxia drama....

I don't know what else to add as previous reviews have already beaten me to it....but I will say that I enjoyed the depth and development of the characters in this drama - this even applies to secondary and tertiary characters'good' and 'bad'.
I am quite new to Cdramas ( switched to them only in 2023 after 4 years of kdramas....?) and this is the most 'mature' chinese fantasy wuxia drama I have watched yet - even most of the scenes and shots have a dark blue or cool hue to them adding to that realism and maturity.

Both the ML and FL already worked together on 'love between Fairy and Demon' 2022 with Dylan Wang, and from their past performances, I am very glad to see them act again, upgrading their choice of characters, showcasing their talent and versatility.

There is also an unexpected plot twist that even more savvy cdrama fans might not pick up on or maybe, but it definitely reflects the age old 'truth' that sometimes the most dangerous and unlikely enemies are much closer to us than we think, causing more harm than we can ever imagine!

I might be 'old fashioned' but I appreciated how the use of 'magic' was minimal in comparison to other Chinese fantasy dramas - yes the characters have super martial arts skill and strength, but for example, when the ML is requested to pass the 3 trials, he uses his brain, wit and socio-emotional intelligence! And when 'magic' is 'identified' it is referred to as 'witchcraft' causing some of the characters to fall sick or become consumed into evil by it- which is what it is, and none of that faffing around!

**Spoiler Alert**
There is news of a pregnancy in the last episode between the main characters ( not who you might assume and I won't say who....) which actually made me hopeful that the creators of this drama produce a second season, or expand the world or universe the story is based in.


Pleeeaeeeeeasssse! ???

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How did I find this cdrama? Wt....?!

This is my 5th or 6th cdrama and although I do prefer other titles that come to my mind....for some reason I am still watching this. It is more humorous and bizarre than I expected...bordering on the subliminally unhinged, but in a good entertaining way. The acting is good enough to keep me coming back for the next episode.....but I am tempted to skip to the last few episodes.....?

Other reviews mentioned how they didn't always like the FL. It won't be fair for me to comment on the actress's looks or features playing the role, but the fact that I personally find the FL character (not actress) annoying and unscrupulous could mean she may have succeeded in conveying this to the audience. Bring in the ML, Xu Kai, and you have an annoying, unscrupulous ( yet cunning, very capable and witty) match made in Xianxia heaven. The 2 leads do compliment each other, and there are scenes where you start to see how dynamic and layered both characters are ( especially the FL who may be putting on this 'annoying' front to hide away the pain and trauma she feels from a previous love she lost in a past battle)

***Update****

I got to 20 something episodes, couldn't handle the weird humour, and there is even a scene where the ML casually asks the FL...who would she prefer to be 'violated by' - Prince Charming or the Evil demon? - and her response was going to be Prin....but then caught herself. I've learnt not to take many things in life too seriously, especially from media and entertainment....but 'joking about violation' is very bad taste ?

Again, the drama is not bad, but if are you looking for a more 'sophisticated' storyline with some serious elements, you can skip to the last episode, which is what I did ( I lost patience???) or skip the whole drama. But the choice is yours.

Oh yeah...there's a much weirder, random dance scene at the end.....like W......T..........FFFFFF!?!?!? ???

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