First of all, the journey was exhilirating. If I should say, it's a really good one plot-wise. No episode is boring at all. The story can sometimes be a bit farfetch and unrealistic, but we're in a drama here and if they want to glorify women so much why not right? We have scheming princesses that are gentle at heart, and victimized princesses that poison their husbands and control his people. This drama -- in general, is one that has a lot of alternatives for every character.

Like for how Chang'ge and Leyan are each other's alternatives. Changge showing the decisiveness, hostility and cunningness a woman is capable of. Why Leyan is good-natured, and represents that gentility can be a strength too.

Princess Yicheng being an alternative to Leyan's fate, had she been married off against her will. And she might have harbored strong emotions, leading to malintent and a dark heart. Likwise, her guard also counters Hao Du -- a bodyguard that cares and thinks for himself, and will not blindly follow the princess but thinks what is best for her.

Sher and Sun. The coward and the brave. The one who chases glory, and the one that is so responsible and capable success chases him. In their relationship, we can see how nurture precedes nature. For they were both raised by the same man, and they were apart from their mothers. Hence despite the expectations their mothers put on them, it's their brotherhood that withstood all that.

Next, I'm tackling character development. Sher, Hao Du, Leyan and Changge have the most impressive character developments.

Since Sher was partly at fault with the death of Sun's mother, he has started to think about the consequences of his actions since then. And Mimi is a huge part of his development too. It has gotten to the point where Sher is no longer blinded by filial love and was mature enough to think that he has to mitigate his mother's sins, and even pay for them. Yes, he makes dumb choices, but he's a whiny lad since the beginning too we should give him some leeway.

Then, Hao Du. Where do I begin... His character is very interesting. From a hunter, to a devoted guard, a man that harbors a secret admiration towards someone he thought he does not deserve. It's undoubtedly Leyan's slap that woke him up. Ceased from being a pawn, and began to think what's for the greater good. Liu Yuning fits the formidable soldier, but when he started acting all whipped and began smiling, it became sort of weird? Hahaha. He needs improvement on his acting on the more emotionally investing scenes, but with the stoic-faced Hao Du, he delivered it really well.

Leyan. I really like Leyan's character. She's gentle, she's pretty. Then she got thrown into the harshness of the world, witnessed hunger, death and injustices. I am loving how the docile princess turned into someone that vows to protect her people. She's amazing. I would have loved her more if I dont know about Zhao Lusi's shady actions, but still, she gave justice to the character. She fits the role so well.

Changge... How she had started to let go of her plans for revenge, when she started to act to protect her people. She is just so strategic and wise. She would've made a great Queen.

Now let's talk about the acting.

The guy that plays Mu Jin... He's the winner. The character has been through so much and he delivered jt really well. He cries when it's necessary. He's quite good. I think, aside from the more experienced, older actors like Princess Yichen, this guy was the best. Yes, that includes Dilireba and Wu Lei. There were still times the leads were kind awkward with their characters, but for Mu Jin -- he is Mu Jin through and through.

There was little chemistry between Dilireba and Wu Lei, forgive me for saying. Despite them having a bunch of scenes together, they werent as captivating as a CP as Hao Du and Leyan. Perhaps it's because the characters they play are both very capable people, hence there aren't a lot of moments where they can idle away and flirt. Their conversations are about strategies and politics too. Or maybe because Wu Lei is still a kid in my eyes. I don't know, but something feels off on their sweet scenes.

There's a lot that can improve on this drama.

First, the graphics. The manhwa transitions ruin it. It's risky to mix them together because it takes a lot of adjustment in the eyes, but the plot has so much potential they could've do away with the manhwa excerpts.

And then the camera angling... It pains me when there are such good scenes with good lines, but the camera work ruins it.

The casting all in all. Wu Lei have done well, but I think there are a lot more actors that are fitting for this role. I dunno maybe they wanted someone with a less daunting appearance because this is a female-centric drama and there's a lot of scenes where Changge saves so getting a manlier actor could've ruined the dynamics. I have an actor in mind that also suit Sun and I think would also do a really good job .

Dilireba is reaally good. I love her. She's very pretty. Not the best at acting, but I am looking forward to her improvement in future projects.

Anyway, that's all for now. There's a lot of good and bad, but all in all, I enjoyed it.