The story is rather complex, that's why they needed two seasons yo complete it, and I believe it would have been a greater succesd if Xiao Zhan played the ML, since his sexappeal and romantic prowess is by far better than the emperor's.
FL character was well played and did fullfilled the expectations of innocent, playfull, sensitive hurt - vdry expressive without any of the cringey stuff seen in so many dramas.
Considering the age of the actrors / actress, I think we can surely say " a star is born" and we expect from them a galaxy of good dramas !