This Chinese drama was not the best I have seen. But it drew me in to at least watch it to the last episode. The male lead’s acting was compelling. I did not appreciate the female lead’s character in beginning but more toward the ends ; I had more respect for her. The villain did his job sometimes frustratingly. The ending is rather confusing and open ended because thinking about the intrigues throughout the series, it made me question what I saw at the end. Especially since the emperor hinted what were his plans for their future, then her surprised look at the end after someone requested her favorite noodles, and finally, the way the emperor trust guard looked at Yu’er with a “I know something you don’t.” Hmm I wondered was that my wishful thinking or was the director trying to play with the audience ? I hope someone can explain it one day.