For the first time in a long while, I'm able to watch a drama without skipping any episode. I applaud the writer for her originality and most importantly, making the flow of the story very sensible and entertaining. In addition to that, the directors did a fantastic job for bringing the story to life. All the characters in the show are well rounded regardless if they are the main, sub main, or supporting characters. I would blab for too long if I talk about each character that stands out to me (because they all do!) in the show, so I will only briefly mention my top three favorites. Liu Yu Ning played his character, Ning Yuan Zhou, flawlessly. I already liked him in the Long Ballad, but now it's more like love. Liu Shi Shi's comeback to drama land as Ren Ruyi has been her best performance so far. I love the fact that the writer made the two main characters so similar and fitting for each other; Both are leaders, strong willed, smart, and loyal to their country and men til the end, yet when they stand apart they both shine differently. You will need to watch the show to appreciate the chemistry between Ning Yuan Zhou and Ren Ruyi because words cannot justify the feelings you get when watch the main leads tangle. Yang Ying is the third character that I came to love. She is the one that I see has grown the most in her character as she journeyed into the unknown and utilized the power of her royal blood not for her selfish desire but her country.
This drama overall started well and ended well, but not satisfactory (warning for those who wish for a happy ending). However, because of the merits the drama has built up (i.e. character development A+, story development A+, music A+), I came to accept the ending as is. My one and only complaint of this show is the last scene in the last episode. I feel it should be Yang Ying instead of Chue Yue because Yang Ying had a closer relationship with all the members of Luido Hall and Ruyi. She was practically part of the gang! Her presence in the last scene would generate a stronger sense of appreciation of seeing Ning Yuan Zhou, Ruyi, and the rest of gang galloping through the fields and tie it all up nicely. Would I watch it again? Of course! 40 hours of your life will be well spent if you binge this show (and it should be binged).