this series borrows certain elements from real history and historical figures, but is not about the reiterating of history and historical figures. it is very much more of creative story writing and imaginations and the re-imagining of. it is absolutely not about wuxia or martial arts and the pugilistic world. it is more about the variety of political intrigues, circumstantial developments in relation to politics, causes and effects, and romance, and human relations. occasionally the series can feel long-winded (beat-round-the-bush), nevertheless, story telling is one of the series's core strengths.

many of the supporting actors stand out in this series, probably because they are experienced, perform their best, and they are guided/mentored professionally. the actor who performs Li Changge has more dramatic role and performances in the earlier dozen of episodes, and progresses to become a character that matures and grows up (emotionally and psychologically). i feel the female actor's performances are more noteworthy during the earlier dozen of episodes. in comparison, the main male actor performs in a consistent manner, but there are segments where he performs stronger.

chemistry-wise, i feel that the chemistries between Changge and Leyan, and Hao Du and Leyan are more enjoyable. for some reasons, the chemistry between Li Changge and Asule Sun feels lacking.

i think the director and whoever is/are involved in guiding/mentoring help bring out the best in capturing the actor who performs the role of the princess Li Leyan. it makes the character more believable and endearing. the actor also performs her role excellently. i dare say she has what it takes to be a leading actor in CDrama and films, as she has a lot more to offer than just a pretty/cute face.

it is also worthwhile to note the involvement of several young actors in the series. i believe that the producer and/or director see strong potentials and/or future potentials with some of these young actors. it is really a treat to see talented young actors being groomed, and to see their acting potentials even though they are still rough around the edges.

the quality of the cameras used for shooting this series is definitely good. the shot techniques are also good. although there might be short segments that employ redundant/superfluous camera techniques, there are also numerous camera techniques that are big screen quality. there are many beautiful building architecture and interior designs and props. you can definitely observe many nice trinkets and props that accompany the beautiful costumes. the costumes have intricate designs, motifs, and sewing quality. it is a good thing that the ornaments/trinkets that accompany the costumes appear believable and in harmony. i cannot comment on the accuracy of the ornaments, buildings designs, costume designs, behavioral etiquette in this series in parallel to early Tang Dynasty era.

the implementation of the CGIs are also not excessive, and i think they compliment the series as a whole. this includes the decision, the arrangement and the editing of comic-like animations to enhance the story telling. the team in charge of the background music/sound arrangement/selection should be complimented, as i think they did an excellent job. it is unfortunate that the team in charge of the voice dubbing is not as good as the team in charge of the background sound/music.

i especially enjoy the weaving workshop scenes. this segment has a common backdrop involving common folks, but it enhances the story telling of the series. another notable mention is the tragedy/ordeals experienced by the princesses. it is simply amazing that the two princesses do not experience or suffer severe post traumatic depression or mental breakdown due the repeated pain, despair, disappointment, anger, hatred, and humiliations.

//after thought//
maybe because i just finished watching Word of Honor before this series, so when I found out there is the character Li Changqian (crown prince of Li Shimin), i was half-expecting to see whether there is a sub-plot development revealing/hinting Li Changqian as a homosexual. of course it doesn't, as the character is portrayed in his adolescent years.

//turnoffs//
- the most noticeable issue with this series is that the voice dubbing is not often synchronized well. it is possible that there are dialogues spoken by the actors that have been altered in the voice dubbing.
- there are scenes/segments that do not make much good sense, and there are some scenes/segments with small flaws that could have been avoided. for example, the little girl (Gongsun Heng's daughter) who got lost and blow the whistle so loudly, which doesn't make any good sense.
- the interior designs of the sets can often appear too symmetrical, too neatly arranged and too clean.
- another issue with this series that might not be too noticeable is that there are certain segments/plots that don't make much sense when taking considering the dangers and chaos of the surrounding environment during these early period of the Tang Dynasty.
- one of the major turnoffs in this series is the overapplication of whitening makeup. for example, there are segments where the application of thick whitening makeup on the main actor who plays Li Changge is excessive and unnatural. she is already beautiful and fair, and makeup should only be applied on her to enhance her natural beauty instead of drowning/masking her natural beauty. there are several instances of other actors whose face had been applied whitening makeup too excessively, too.
- i do understand that it is for that dramatic aspect in story-telling of a tragic character, but the decision to make the Princess Yicheng character as the main antagonist in the latter half of the series is a major turnoff for me.
- the usage, placement and acting of the extras are good, but there are instances where the rationale of the spectators placement/directing can be inconsistent/unbelievable. though not frequent, there are extras that do not act as instructed.
- the quantity and positions of the lanterns/lamps can sometimes be unbelievable, considering the efforts to lower/raise the lanterns/lamps, to light the fire, and how realistic is it to light/place certain lanterns in certain locations, etc.
- there are a few sets that don't fit the logic, for example, an outdoor battle camp that comes with lavish set decorations which made it unrealistic/unbelievable.
- sometimes, the rationale to light up so many candles during daytime and at certain segments can be questionable and become more of a distraction.