Oh Chinese dramas that last for 70+ episodes...you make me work for it, don't you!

I embarked on this journey after completing "Empresses of the Palace" with the same female lead, Sun Li. I love her. She's amazing. So I figured this would be no different, right?

Well, it's different and better! Not that I saw huge flaws in EOTP but this one made me "feel" stuff. The story here was more compelling and the acting was exemplary. There is tragedy and heartbreak a-plenty (I see a trend in Chinese historical dramas) so prepare your heart. There is one scene when Shen Xingyi (played by the amazing Chen Xiao) is heartbroken by a decision made by Zhou Ying and it broke me. I cried real tears that flowed like Niagara falls! Sooooo sad.

There are many slow episodes (at 70 episodes there are bound to be more than a few that drag) and the back and forth of the romance between (SX and ZY) gets a little repetitive. The side romances are ok if trite. But the bad guy, Du Mingli...LOVE him!!! What a great character. Well acted and so complicated. You both love him and hate him all at the same time. I guess the same can be said of Shen Xingyi. He grows up and becomes someone you fall in love with.

I've watched three long Chinese history dramas but this one is the only one I'd watch again the next time I have 70+ hours to kill. :D