There is so much I want to say about this series but only one word really sums it up – masterpiece! It has been a while since I’ve been on edge, waiting, anticipating but thoroughly enjoying each episode! I end up binge-watching this within a short time because I couldn’t wait to see what happen next!

What I like about this series:

The chemistry between the leads. I know FL is a big star and she has done a lot of movies rather than series so I wasn’t expecting much. But I was taken by surprise. Being an experienced actor, she really did a great job here! Half the time besides admiring each and every different outfit she had on, I kept watching her expression and her gestures. I also enjoy ML performance. I forget what a great actor he is. He plays the great warlord, he is able to conquer all his enemies on the battleground as well as the emperor court. I can’t stop thinking about his love for FL. He was a man with principle, integrity, and love for his wife and his brotherhood. Often his choice was for the good of the country, his wife, or his army. Quite honestly, I was expecting a bit of a rough time when they got married. ML was not her first choice but as a chess piece, she was thrown into an arranged marriage. I love how the plot opens with them having an open heart to heart conversation, kicking off their relationship to a good start. I gotta admit I stayed because I knew from that point on, this was going to get good! I’m glad I stay for the whole ride! It was very impressive. There was so much that happened! It made you questioned who can you trust? Is blood thicker than water? Can you really hold your integrity as a poor humble being or will you fall for the beautiful temptation of what the emperor court offers? I’m actually glad we got seasonal actors because I don’t think a new face can pull off such beautiful acting, chemistry, and feelings!!

The plot and storyline. I was on edge and couldn’t wait for the next devious plot. If you read my previous reviews you know I don’t like fighting for the throne and emperor politics but this series got me thinking so hard I could barely sleep. All I can think about is, what are they planning next!

Cinemograph - the colors, the details, the outfits, everything was so appealing I didn’t know where to look.

The bad:

Just small little things that I chuckled at. There were a lot of scenes where it was slowed down to emphasize and heighten the emotion that was going through your head. One, in particular, got me chuckling, the scene where FL ran to the gate door after seeing that it was ML on the other end.

The other scene was when ML found out about her miscarriage, the doctor told him that she won’t be able to give conceive anymore and if she did, she can die from it. He grabs onto his heart from the attack. It was a bit over the top for me. His character was always this calm demeanor, no how bad the situation is. He took his time listening to the complaint, took his time understanding the issue, thought through the situation before taking action. I kept thinking about the time he stood outside waiting for her to respond.

What I often thought about:

The chemistry between the two. There is this mutual understanding, this love they have for each other. ML will do anything for her, even risking his life with his army to save her. They even had a fight for the first time about money, why can’t every couple's fight be this cute! I want and demand a Xiao Qi now!!!