Much of this drama focuses on Cheng Shaoshang as she attempts to navigate her future without compromising her ideals or passions. Zhao Lusi’s performance once again establishes her ability to display a multifaceted character with tons of layers. She was utterly transformative as Shaoshang transitioned from uncouth youth to reserved royalty. Shaoshang is very much defined by her interactions with others. Probably the most interesting relationships outside of her romances is her connection to her mother and the Empress. In one, she finds antagonism and disproval; in another unconditional love and support. That’s not to say both don’t love her, but her relationships are so complex as they encounter her at different stages in her life. I love this detailed look at the many ways family, both the ones we are born into and the ones we choose, make a person change and adapt in extraordinary ways.

I thought the show would focus more on the romance, but it truly does not start between the leads until the second half of the series. The first half certainly does an excellent job setting up their future, particularly Ling Buyi’s growing interest and love for Shaoshang. Leo Wu, who plays Ling Buyi, truly has a talent for showing so many emotions with just a glance. Since much of his performance is austere and ridged, his eyes had to do a lot of heavy lifting. He and Lusi had so much tension and chemistry as Buyi and Shaoshang. Once their romance blossoms, it’s hard to look away. That said, I also enjoyed the other short romances she has with Yuan Shen and Lou Yao. While they hold no candle to Buyii, I could certainly see the different facets brought out of her by their characters.