Romance, power struggles, physical fights, handsome actors, pretty actresses, lovely costumes, beautiful backdrop summarize what you will see in this drama. The story had a number of interesting twists that slowly unfolded, and plenty of suspense. On the political front, it was a battle of craftiness and suspicion between the emperor and his brother. The main elements that would keep you watching the drama are who would eventually win and how, and would the hero die before fulfilling his dream, and towards the end whether the heroine would kill herself to save the prince. And 48 episodes are a good length and the pace of the drama is good.

This is a triangular romance story, although it is clear who the heroine would choose a few episodes into the story. I think Chinese drama is highly predictable in this element. The hero and heroine would not make a choice outside of questionable moral principles.

The weakness in Chinese dramas is always in the story - may I say unrealistic. The heros and heroines are often near perfect: good-looking (although this is an important factor), kind-hearted, untainted, filial, smart and capable. Sacrificing for their love is always a common theme, and they are always faithful to each other. Life is not quite like this. Keeping secrets that leads to misunderstanding and a big mess up is another - perhaps this is a cultural element since Chinese is not a very communicative race. There were scenes in this drama which would make you question the realism of it. In this case, it is Baili MingXiang - she was always there at the right moment to overhear the important secrets.

The drama had a young cast who did very well. I must add I find the second male lead, Merxat, very handsome. It seems the Uyghur province produces some very good looking actors and actresses, Diraba being the female actress I can quickly recall.

It seems readers only read the early reviews. I am not sure if anyone would read this far down. Click the find it useful button if you do, so I would know.