So I tend to use a classic piece of English literature when writing my review of Mainland Chinese Dramas. The hard part is figuring out which story I should use to describe this TV drama... I know, Romeo and Juliet because it is also about 2 star-crossed lovers; they should end up together but they don't get the "happily ever after" ending they deserve due to a predicament outside of their control. I’ll tell you all about it, in as few words as I can, if you read on! :)

Chinese Juliet is a Khitan noblewoman living in the 11th century I believe. She can ride on horseback and beat up suitors in a fight. Think of the “Courtship of Atalanta” – Juliet is like Atalanta in this drama. The biggest difference is to win her hand in marriage, a suitor must beat her in a fight, as opposed to a race like in the Greek myth.

Enter Chinese Romeo, who is a very skilled Khitan warrior and close friend to the prince. He wins the fight against Juliet, gives her his prized horse and they get along like a house on fire. They have this chemistry which is quite awesome to watch. I was routing for them to be together.

Juliet warns Romeo that he should marry her as soon as possible which Romeo says he will do. But surprise, surprise he delays the wedding; I guess it’s because he’s a very busy guy – he’s got battles to fight, intense training to do and I guess a prince to protect (Romeo seems to be his personal bodyguard). Juliet also seems to keep meeting the prince for Chinese tea. To me, in those days, that’s not just a sign of interest, no, but a clear sign of dating!

Surprise, surprise, when Romeo’s good friend the prince becomes king, the king instantly asks her father for Juliet’s hand in marriage. Unlike the play by Shakespeare, as this drama is only 10 episodes in (it’s a 39 episode TV series), there’s no way the 2 star-crossed lovers will commit suicide and put an end to their screen time.