This is one of those rare dramas that I re-watched despite the sad ending (already known beforehand because it's adapted from a famous Chinese novel).

I recommend it because:-
(1) The leads are a relief for tired souls. Who doesn't like eye candies in dramas? As usual, Allen Ren looks gorgeous in costume dramas. He makes a good CP with Bai Lu here.
(2) The cinematography and designs are outstanding, gives you a sense of "ancient" - the attention to details such as the furniture , books, costumes, surroundings, etc takes you out of daily life's troubles/headaches.
(3) The OST is enjoyable, some of the best for 2022.
(4) The romance is slow burn, but romantic. No passionate kisses or bed scenes, but the director presents it in such a way that you feel warmth and good about the love story. I always believe that you don't need idol-like romance if it is well-carried out i.e. the top acting. A longing glance here, a smile there, the intensity in the eyes, many stolen moments....aren't they more exciting than the usual "straight romance"? The leads did a very good job here.
(5) The plot is well-carried out - i.e. the palace machinations, irritating scheming and politics are kept to a minimum, just enough to give the background to the story. No overdose of second or third leads either. It's all about the ill-fated romance between the leads.