So many have written extensively about the overwhelming qualities of this drama that I will try not to repeat here what has been well stated before.

I love everything about LLTG, it was so enthralling that I was rewatching while it progressed with what felt like snail pace because of the excruciating four days lull between new episodes release. So I could only go back and rewatch, or go to watch BTS scenes, interviews, read what came up in the discussion sites, rejoice with all lovers of LLTG when it went beyond the 6 billion views mark and check with satisfaction when it reached five weeks running topping charts. Going on to probably an additional 6 weeks rule there.

I have no understanding and little tolerance for those who attempt to bring it down. What evil pleasure do they derive from their sneers? Most of those dropped off, say they, in the first episodes. How that qualifies to give a review is beyond me : my view is, if I am not satisfied with a drama, then I move on and won't attempt to review it, or stick with it to the bitter end and try to analyze logically what put me off for the entire length or majority (like Love in flames of war, which I positively detest after a growing discontent during and after watching it, no matter how talented the ML is, there, which I admit). Do the detractors belong to a specific hate group targeting the FL ? Who can hate Zhao Lusi ?

Zhao Lusi has a very special voice, not lovely but memorable : she can sing as she demonstrated in other dramas and on stage for other songs, although here, she only did so in BTS scenes, when relaxing with the crew. Her instrument is the guzheng, but the flute theme that she acts in, for a couple of scenes, is really lovely. She is small, but can appear towering, a seasoned actress who brings humor to most of the roles she performed in, here as well although through flashes since the character she plays is not supposed to be funny, but growing through pain and hurdles and overcoming desperation. Shaoshang is now accepting to put her intelligence not only to design machines and traps, but also to study more attentively the "books", culture and behavior expected at court. To me, she has grown into one of the best actresses in C dramaland, and this role is her best to date, as witness her lovely interaction with the impressive Wu Lei, who I now view as a new god of the screen.

He can ride, do swordplay, do stunts and martial arts (I'm sure Jackie Chan approves of him), he studied seriously to do some scenes requiring for instance convincing plucking on the guqin, instead of the haphazard dusting off the strings that most other actors resort to, he can swim, he can dance tango (there's a wonderfully surprising and endearing scene when he mixes dance with self defense), his shy kisses are perhaps few and not the open mouth tongue-devouring Hollywood style that some romance addicts crave, but since this is set in ancient dynasty, around a courtship between a girl who's had little education and feels defensive and self conscious, and a ruthless young man who is shouldering a crushing secret, the sizzling gazes he bestows on her are largely sufficient for the romance. He can look seductive and amorous with smooth movements and sizzling eye contact with his intended to which he restrains kisses that "should be reserved for after the marriage", rigid and daunting like a warrior prince, inscrutable like a seasoned court official used to not disclosing his plans, or mad with hatred and bulging veins, or crushed by the realization that whatever he does he will experience loss,.. Even if I have not heard him sing, Wu Lei's mellow voice (nobody is dubbed in this drama) is honey to my ears.

And the hugs. Oh the recurring ones with the "bie pa wo lai le" (don't be afraid, I'm here) that peppered the first part. Which cannot be separated from the "second part" : this is a continuous story, and the artificial division should be done away with.
This second part deals with the court drama and the revenge. It is darker than the beginning, but tension never lets off, and what had felt like a drama ever climbing new heights in every new episode continues here, exploring the hidden sides of the hero and his to-be bride. Now it is her who appears as the warrior, with him resting his head on her shoulder while they are hunted to perhaps doom and death. It is a rollercoaster of emotions and scenes, with subplots that tie in seamlessly within the greater one : the exchange of the tiger seals and the murder mystery are schemes within schemes. Yet the action is still peppered with the signature comedic moments that relieve stress. The humor is manifold, there is some for every taste, from almost slapstick with the grandma who still clings to "her dowries" when led to prison, to more subtle moments between the different characters, such as the mirror behavior scenes played at times by general Cheng and his wife, or other ones. Every member of the cast is memorable and has put thought into their acting, with excellent guiding from director Fei.

The cinematography is still off the charts, with stunning views of the galaxy, of the blood painted paper windows etc.

Well, I thought I had nothing to add, but here I am, humming the theme songs, eager to finish this review to go rewatch for umpteenth time. Yes, this one is on my best of list for 2022 and perhaps more. I thought I would not rave more than I did for the one that also stands out as number one for me, but in a different genre : RESET. But I did, and LLTG qualifies in several genres to boot, so really if it does not get one or several awards, I'll be disappointed.
I wonder if I'll be thrilled as much as I still am by this one, when I eventually move on to other dramas that are promised in the near future or be carried away by the CGI in one that lis currently vaunted... But artistically, can CGI be compared to the genuine cinematographic skills demonstrated in LLTG? Here I go again, wondering how long I will time loop with LLTG ! XD lol