When I started this 70 episodes drama, it was without english subtitles. It was too difficult for me to continue even as I understand 50% spoken Mandarin. The English subtitles, though about 80% accurate, it helped me complete the drama.
1. The story evolved around palace politics, involving fight for power among princes to ascend to the throne. involves the harem characters and politicians.
2. Emotions such as love, hate, jealousy, kinship, revenge, regret, compassion, greed, justice, rightuosness drives the actions of the characters.
3. The acting is great as it can make me sympatise and understand the actions, even though I don't agree with some of the decisions made by the characters.
4. Technical production quality is good, with good music.