It is not an idol drama. 10/10

This historical drama is top-noch!! Great actors/actresses from leads to support characters, very interesting historical details, solid art direction, rich dialogues, and good balance between love story, action scenes (I will never forget how Yang Jing Lan rushed back to Yizhou to marry Ji Ying Ying) and brocade industry history makes it a treasure among this year dramas . Tang Dinasty border conflicts, the difficulties in establishing Silk Road, focus on working class and slavery , warlords and rich families rebellion against central power, instead of court conspiracies contribute to create very unique environment and story line . It is slow paced but there is no pad out episodes, no skip because it is not just one more drama about revenge. Also sadistic and smart villains (Jing Chao acting skills specially shinned on ep.39) makes it very fun and entertaining to watch. Last, it is a delight to see the mutual understanding between Yang Jing Lan and Ji Ying Ying, how they clearly communicate and evolve from allies to lovers without loosing the respect and trust they have for each other. It was not a boring and predictable love story. It is a beautiful love, family, friendship and social story. 10/10!!

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