BONUS: 10/10 stars if you watch Gu Yiye cut. UHM this one was tough. I rarely do reviews but this is one honest review you need to read! I'll begin by saying I'm the strongest soldier because I have made it through 3/4 of the show and I SHALL, for the love of XiaoZhan, finish the entire drama. Overall, there are many plot holes and bad character design. The most well written character has to be Gu Yiye (acted by Xiao Zhan). Trust me, I'm in no way biased (okay maybe just a little? at least I'm honest). I would say the overall acting is decent (also can I just say Zhong ChuXi is SO PRETTY). Xiao Zhan was exceptional in being able to deliver the multiple and complex layers of Gu Yiye. The decisions he makes such as marrying Axiu, is convincing through his acting and portrayal of Yiye as an extremely level headed, intelligent and responsible character. We see Gu Yiye growing from his -- having to put away his personal feelings and shoulder a real responsibility. (Of course, we definitely have to consider the historical context and era in which the drama happens that values practicality even in love and romance, so I would say I am borderline convinced with this part of the plot).
We also see Xiao Zhan being able to portray the passage of time, you can tell Gu Yiye has aged and matured, which does not happen/ is not obvious at all in the portrayal of most/all of the other characters. This is unrealistic but then Xiao Zhan shines through in his ability to understand this aspect of the drama and of his character.
Now let's talk about plot holes. I'm not convinced as to why Axiu decides to love Yiye. I get the idea, them being able to share that grieve for her ex husband Zhang Fei and she needed someone to rely on, but I do not find this part of the drama convincing. Its more of platonic reliance... to me.
We also see soldiers eventually marrying, but it was almost like them reciprocating for someone who has feelings for them as they give up/ reconcile with the fact that someone they actually like, likes someone else. You could argue it is realistic, given that love, AT THAT TIME, was more of having someone to rely on than actual modern day romance. Like the concept of arranged marriage, having companionship to pass time. Also, I am not a big fan of Jiang NanZheng eventually getting together with GaoLiang, it feels like they become another one of those couples I mentioned above. The most convincing way to put it is that JNZ eventually accept GL's love because 日久深情 (development of feelings because so much time passed/spent together) but I will still not be convinced. Or you could say it conveys the powerlessness of women at that time? Eventually choosing people who love them rather than who they love.??
AND its lowkey ridiculous how JNZ's dad is so convinced they will be happy together :""). Also long before this, the part on JNZ finding out the commander is her dad was kind of anti climatic, is it just me, is it not weird to suddenly accept a stranger as a dad? as for the actual parts on war, I didn't watch that closely so can't comment on that. 3 stars for each lead actor and effort. would not rewatch it, it is quite painful for me.
BUT I WOULD SAY MY FAV PLOT WAS THAT WAR WHEN ZHANG FEI DIED. I felt like it really portrayed the atrocities of war -- mental, physical and emotional trauma it brings and it CHANGES people. I think that part was the most compelling, ngl i teared up.
anyways plz don't attack me. if you enjoyed the drama, good for you! thank you for reading if you have read so far! have a good day.

TLDR:
1. Lackluster, illogical, unconvincing plot.
2. Poor character development overall.
3. No strong focused message in the drama.

Edit: special shoutout to ep 32 it was pretty good.
UPDATE: ep39 has been the WORST so far