I gave this a high rating mostly for the actors. Even characters I didn't like a lot, or even despised story-wise, were splendidly acted out, painting the drama world all that more vivid. Especially the princess, Chun'Er had been written in such a way, that's bound to make you dislike her - she does play the role of "female rival" after all. I feel the writers have made her annoying on purpose. It still felt fascinating to watch her development as a very sad and tragic character. Chun'Er was so ridiculously naïve and childish it felt over the top, but then you feel like her pureness is gradually ripped off from her in chunks, and it makes her agitated and lost. A truly pitiful soul. What's even more sad, is the tale of Yan Xun, it tugged my heart the most. He is sort of turning into this hollow type of person, a mere shell of his former self.

Other than some great character plots the story pacing wasn't so smooth sailing, but thankfully many fun side characters made even some of the filler episodes interesting to watch.

If you like yourself a strong, young female lead who is ready to challenge herself and trying to achieve her dreams with some dark drama going on, with the occasional fun times lightening the mood, then this might be your series! Beware of the final episode though, it divides opinions. It was a bit messy in my opinion, and I'm going to skip the ending when rewatching.

Also it seems there is some trouble in the project for season 2, so we might or might not ever get it. The novel this series is based on has a slightly different story line, so if the season 2 doesn't get made at all, we'll never know how this show would've ended and it makes me so gloomy. I hope the director and the cast could work their differences out. At the very least, the director should apologise to the cast; one would think the promising sales alone would be enough reason if you're out to make money?

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