Like a lot of other dramatized historical Chinese drama, this drama should only be watched while turning a blind eye to accuracy. I haven't done much research into the actual historical figures during these times so I was merely watching this for the cast and the production.

The story of the entire drama pretty much centered around the downfall of the sisterhood between Wuguli, Hunian, and Yan Yan, with a focus on Yan Yan's plight to become the Empress Dowager of Liao. If you're looking for a more romantic drama, you would be slightly disappointed. The writers planted such a great relationship for the viewers in the beginning only to have them be ripped away because of the fight for power between the 3 branches of Taizu. You get a few episodes near the end where they have their uwu moments (except they are now probably in their 40's I believe). There was much frustration on my part with the 2nd sister in particular. The writers literally gave her such a sh**** role. She was constantly pissing me off to no end. Then we have the older sister whole was extremely "virtuous" and seemed to understand both sisters. I quite enjoyed her character up until she, like Wuguli, fell in love with a boy and rebelled against the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. It totally ruined her character for me because I couldn't understand how someone like her could be so fickle. I've been an avid fan of Tiffany Tang for years and quite enjoyed her in The Princess Weiyoung. I just wished this could've been a little different than that. Basically, if you don't enjoy the whole "innocent and naive in the beginning and through a turn of events turns into cold, powerful" troupe, then you probably would be a little bit more frustrated than I was. Overall, it was quite a good watch and I would highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys these types of dramas. There are also a lot of hotties in this drama. Not only Shawn Dou, but even some of the ministers *ahem* Yelu Xiuge and Yelu Xiezhen caught my eyes a few times throughout this drama.