Prepare lots of tissue because this is one of the most tear-jerking dramas I've watched this year. I really like how the whole drama is executed and the entire flow of the story does quite makes sense.

Some thoughts about this drama:
1) I love all the characters in the drama (villains too). I can't really imagine not having any of the characters in the drama because they each contribute to one or more important parts in the drama plot. So I'd say, they are all quite important.

2) In a way, I can't help but pity Liu Zixing. To be honest, I do think he is more capable of being the emperor. At least he has more wits than the emperor on the throne. Not only is he always sick but have been treated as a placeholder for the most part of his life. The girl that he loves and was rightfully meant to be his wife didn't love him back. How can one person be happy living out the life he did?

3) All the little rituals and the meaning behind every action (especially Zhou Sheng Chen's) are quite interesting. Everything seems to have its own explanation in this drama and it hooks you in as much as the development of the characters.

4) Not all historical dramas or war stories end up with victory and happy endings. As much as I hate the outcome of my favourite leads in the drama, I can't help but applaud at how realistic this ending is. Given the circumstances the characters were put in, I think I would have done the same if I were to be in the same position. Everything comes with sacrifice and this truly reflects real life.

5) The only reason why I didn't rate 10/10 for this drama is mainly because of the heaviness of this drama. Hence, I don't think I would rewatch the drama. But I do anticipate for its sequel.

All in all, I do think this is the kind of drama where you gotta sit down and focus instead of binging all the way. You'll be missing a lot of details if you do skip too much.