I finished The Story of Ming Lan last night and my heart feels so full from watching such an amazing drama. I want and need more stories like this. Ming Lan while not perfect by any means was pretty badass and held her own as she grew to become the strong female protagonist of my dreams! Her maturity, loyalty, strong held convictions and cunningness were so refreshing to see in a character. This was my first time seeing Zhao Liying in anything, at first I wasn't impressed at all but like most things you gotta give it time. As time went on, episode 20 at least, I was sold as her being my FL. Midway through and near the end of the drama is where Zhao Liying really stepped into her character and made her shine oh so brightly. Her sweet, innocent smile yet wondering plotting eyes really made Ming Lan come to life.

But our ML, Gu Tingye, has now become my favorite ML of any Cdrama I've watched thus far was ::chef kiss:: Can we talk about how cute he was?!!!! Feng Shaofeng has the sweetest smile, sexiest voice and laugh, and I swear he was flirting so hard while in character like O M G yeeesss.

The supporting cast was stellar with some of the best supporting cast acting I've seen. Loved Changbai and petty Roulan 😂😂 but geeez hated Molan, her mama and their evil ass Nanny the most 😡🤬. Grandma Sheng is the MVP of this drama by a mile! Living through that time afforded her the knowledge, skills and know how, to navigate the crazy ish Ming Lan had to go through. Her ability to listen, be empathetic, and understand Ming Lan was remarkable. Little had to be said and she knew what her granddaughter was thinking and feeling. I just wanted to hug her, she's too precious for words.

The bromance between Tingye and Changbai was probably the best friendship I've seen in a long while.! Their loyalty, love and respect they had for each other awe inspiring. But the silliness and trust each shared really catapult ed these two characters. If Youran wasn't so petty and weak he could've experienced it too... lol The sismance between Ming Lan and any of the girls she befriend and her cousins on grandma Sheng's side of the family was so cute and genuine. These two really built their tribe, their friends and true family had their backs when they needed it the most.

Just like the dad in *The Sword and The Brocade*, Papa Sheng was weak and easily manipulated. Ooff he made me so damn mad! I get that his main concern is the entire family but geez, try to have your daughters back just a little!

TSOML's story unfolded so well the mind games was freaking incredible! When you thought it was a simple deed, it was a whole other reason as to why that was said or done and the next steps were far from obvious... The cinematography and lighting really set this drama apart. The nuance in background sounds especially when Big Madam Gu was on the screen really elevated this drama. Just wow, Solid 10/10!