I see different atmosphere in Season 2 which's great bringing differ element of story. I am not a big fan of Yang Zhi and I think her acting is alright. Hate to see her acted cute with her usual cringe cute toddler voice, like calling 'Gege...' she's on her 30th but luckily there're 4 actors that supporting her character with different male dominant characters like boosting her persona. Let me describe each Male Leads brings different dynamic change in season 2. The last 5 episodes is the best. All 4 actors are awesome with their roles, while Yang Zhi is good but these 4 talented actors overshadowing her.

Xiyan Cang Xuan (Zhang Wan Yi) Ambitious, noble, fair.
He got his Emperor seat in small effort, basically both kingdoms handed over willingly to him because 1 king is his grandfather while the other king is his respected teacher. With the title of Xiyan Emperor. He has the commanding quality around him, his wardrobe is excellent suitable for his status, deposition qualities in his present. Everyone aware how much he loves and protect his cousin Xiao Yao, how close their relationship in regards to support and companionship, but only 2 people aware he loves her more than just as a cousin. Zhang Wan Yi brings that charisma, clear eye, smile indulgently to Xiao Yao, he's Cang Xuan who can't have everything eventhough he's the most powerful man in the kingdom. He could have if Xiao Yao would look at him as a man rather than a beloved cousin or as a ruler. Zhang Wan Yi acts convincingly as a man try to restrain his own intent, face expression changes in every feeling or what cross in his mind. Ep 19 is his best acting.

Tushan Jing / Ye Shi Qi (Deng Wei) Romantic, highly intelligent, rich, kind & down to earth.
So 'down to earth' Cang Xuan look down at him. He thought TuShan Jing isn't worthy enough for Xiao Yao. The beginning of their relationship, Cang Xuan knows Ye Shi Qi is devoted to Wen Xiao Liu and where their bond started. Season 2 Deng Wei acted like he's more cautious and permissive toward Xiao Yao and I understand it, because TuShan Jing disappointed Xiao Yao (by married to Yi Ying), he acted like he wants to redeemed himself for the 2nd chance he got. He's a bore though, he keep saying 'okey'...like a puppy and smile sweetly. I think he's the most unfortunate guy in this drama; he got beat up almost die by his brother, he's taken advantage by his family, he's gotten another beat up by his in-law closest to die. Basically he's almost die 3 times, poor guy. Tushan Jing unlikely friendship to Xiang Liu is for Xiao Yao, Xiang Liu is Tushan Jing partner in crime, gaining mutual profitable partnership. Deng Wei as Tushan Jing, the least ambitious amongst other 3 men, is the most attractive character. As character Deng Wei brings out the kindness and sincere smiles always don on his face. His beautiful face reflects Tushan Jing's true character and heart.

Xiang Liu (Tan Jian Ci) 9 heads demon, Logical, loyal, cynical, a loaner.
Being a rebel strategist (& occasional murderer for hire) is surprisingly a very loyal person. He's loyal to his rebel adopted father, his troop till the end of his life, he's loyal both to Xiao Yao & Tushan Jing when he helps Xiao Yao to stay alive twice. He's a loaner alright...with no one no family he likely treasure little friends that he has. Although he knew he loves Xiao Yao his logical thinking defying that as they both came from 2 totally different background, they're from 2 opposite political stands, there's noway they can be together even if he force it, especially Xiao Yao doesn't return his feeling. Tan Jian Ci embodied his role. Feng Fang Bei maybe a scoundrel steal someone's bride but he's Xiang Liu that would reason he do it for the compensation, his composure maintain although heartbreak. One thing I noticed, Tan Jian Ci is cute not a typical demon but his acting articulate Xiang Liu demonic character and that's a A+ from me. His terrifying laugh & cackle is spooky; chilling, deep, sinister. I think he's the best in delivering his dialog. His last scene is remarkable.

Chishui Feng Long (Wang Hong Yi) Ambitious & naive
Even though Feng Long is extremely ambitious, he's also a naive man, he look at thing base on his own perspective. He blindly allows his sister to influence and involve him to assassinate Xiao Yao, In what condition he wants to make his jealous sister happy (or stop nagging him), he just forgot that Xiao Yao is the apple heart of an Emperor. His guilty consciousness forces him beg Cang Xuan to be sent to war against Xiao Liu where he perished. He has bright future ahead of him, his guilty sister that send him to battle to die. Feng Long is the outsider of Xiao Yao's circle, he doesn't know much the link or connection surround Xiao Yao. Wang Hong Yi has been taking role as antagonist quite a few and he does good job with his roles. He doesn't have much of facial expression, his handsome face doesn't change much through inner struggle.

Honorable mention are Li Rong Chang (Shao Wei Tong), Ru Shou /Hao Shou (Ding Jia Wen), King of Xiyan (Hou Chang Rong), King of Haoling (Zheng Guo Lin), Haoling Yi /A Nian (Dai Lu Wa), Fangfeng Yi Ying (Huang Can Can), Tushan Hou (Ye Xiao Wei) do amazing with their respective roles. The last 5 episodes might be the best scenes but inconsistent with the novel, improvised scenes. As a reader, the end isn't what I expect it. In the novel, we don't know if Xiang Liu die, Xiao Yao beg Cang Xuan to be lenient. The marriage between Xiao Yao & TuShan Jing was the end of long 180 something chapters...