This drama was one of my top 10.   I have read many reviews and comments and I realize that we comment based on our life experiences and expectations.  When this drama began - no expectations.  For me a lot of good-looking actors and great slow motion sword and martial arts scenes.  As I watched I began to realize that this starts as an obsessive romance drama but the underlying story is really the history of the First Emperor of China.  The King's woman was only a fictional backdrop to telling a story about a tragic time in history but one of the most important times in Chinese History.   It became an opportunity to educate myself about that timeframe.  The writers and producers tried to keep historical incidents and facts accurate and the costumes were just breathtaking for recreating a period more than 2100 years ago,   To film 48 episodes pacing, backstories, jealousy, 2nd male lead syndrome all played a part but was not overdone.   Palace life among concubines and consorts was not exaggerated when you read Chinese history.   I watched without subs and with subs in great anticipation each week of the coming story.   I was saddened - most Chinese dramas are that way.   However, the sadness came more from reflection later after I traced the King's Woman's life story throughout the drama.    Beyonce sings this song "If I was a boy"  -- that is just how I felt at the end for Li'er.