I saw a review saying that if you're not a hardcore fan of any lead, you probably won't finish this. Well, I am a huge fan of Liu Xueyi and Baron Chen and I can not finish this title. I really, really wanted to, but I can't bring myself to.

The story. We were promised a deranged prince and a top assassin wanting a blood revenge on the deranged prince. I was expecting a back and forth, Mei Lin sneaking into Jinghe's closest guards, trying hard to kill him, Jinghe noticing her efforts, but deciding not to kill her just yet because she's useful and then starting feelings somewhere mid story. The derangement of Murong Jinghe faded within the first episodes and we got a wronged man desperate to avenge his buddies and clear his name. Which, I would not mind, I like seeing a smiley, fluffy Liu Xueyi on screen, but this is not what we were promised. I really wanted a deranged prince Liu Xueyi, darkness, ravens, no hope. After the first few episodes, this drama fades into court affairs and power struggle with the background of taking revenge on the true culprit. Again, not what we were promised.

The casting. I think the casting is as good as it gets. Seeing Baron Chen as a great scheming villain and Liu Xueyi as his brother - very fine choice. I personally dislike characters like General Yin - expressionless and just robotic, and the sweet summer children siblings duo. The Xiyan Prince learned at least something, but princess? Please.... Nonetheless, all the actors did great.

The soundtrack. Pretty basic, OSTs rarely stuck with me.

There were some pretty amazing and artistic scenes and frames but these also faded with the dark storyline. Especially when Murong Jinghe is parading through the city and the people are throwing stuff at him and he then takes a bite from the bun (I think it was a bun at least). And then in episode 8ish, when Mei Lin pulled Murong Jinghe below the fabrics being dried. Very beautiful.

Other than this.... It's hard to find more positives to this drama. Idk who to recommend this to, the reviews are split too. Those of us who expected darkness and ravens don't really like this drama plot, those who watched for enemies to lovers seem to love it. I think that's it.