This is a great fictional period drama mixed with historical facts. This is the story of Hao Lan and her struggles within the different kingdoms that led her to become the mother of China's First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The drama was extended from 45 to 62 episodes and in the process, it lost luster. The entire production (acting, cinematography, customs, music...) was done with accuracy and finesse but, adding the younger generation’s to extend the drama, felt short of the first part of the drama. This drama was mostly about the power struggles of three individuals (Li Hao Lan, Ying Yi Ren, and Lu Bu Wei) that join forces to accomplish great endeavors. These characters are complex and multilayered and the actors did a fantastic job in bringing out these complexities and creating memorable personifications of these historical personages. There are so many great performances that it is difficult to just select the three main persons since their characters were intimately dependent with a great array of supporting cast. Although there is a love triangle, romance is not the stronghold on this drama, which lives the romance seekers disappointed since there was a potential for a great one. Even then, it is great to see how Hao Lan accomplishes to bring down the people that Qin King’s grandfather laid out to clean the courts and become a great empire. This is a great production that, if it is not compared with others, it provides great entertainment. Enjoy it!