I did not expect to like this drama this much. From righteous heroes, gray leads, vile villains and broken antagonists - it serves a variety of great characters that drive the plot forward, keep the tension high and deliver many laughs.

Name me a drama where the character development that is seen as a positive one is the lead actually starting to learn how and when to lie - that’s the unicorn we’ve got here. My sweet child Zhang Ping had an OCD level of truth seeking. Not only did he ignore the danger, he did not even see the danger when he was investigating, blinded by his pathological need to find and speak the truth. Adjusting the approach to the situation was not part of his innate pattern of behavior. At first annoying, later endearing. Taking into consideration how easily other characters turned their blind eye to the truth, it was also a source of many comedic moments.

I never knew watching characters gaslight another character could be this entertaining. Lan Jue and Wang Yan made that magic happen. The way they initially tried to sway and manipulate Zhang Ping was low-key evil and yet, the moment they stopped, I started to miss it. Throughout the whole drama these two truly radiated the “tricksters with solid skills” energy. Easily my favorite relationship of the show, whenever you call it friendship, partnership, bromance, or like me: married couple.

Then we have a sweet potato Chen Chou. I’m so grateful they did not write him as a generic best friend to fill the space in the scenes. He had an adorable personality, he was loyal and brave when needed. He tried his best to support Zhang Ping, but also was not afraid to call him out when he came out with an especially dumb idea.

Gu Qing Zhang was quite a surprise. Could not wait for him to show up, and when he did, the tension skyrocketed. On the other hand Wang Xuan brought this balanced energy to every scene he was in - gave me the impression that things will work out fine no matter what, even though he did not really do that much…

What’s important? These fine gentlemen do not really form a Scooby Doo Gang to fight crime and corrupt officials. All of them interact with each other in various moments, but they are never one united group. Did I go into the drama expecting and wanting to see them going full Power Rangers against Rita Repulsa? Sure. Was I disappointed it never really fully happened? No. Them having conflicting morals, ideas, goals and approaches to reach them is what made the drama so interesting in the first place.

The acting was almost perfect. Song Wei Long was a bit stiff and emotionally restricted in his performance for sure. Compared to the other actors and actresses, he lacked the depth needed to truly sell his character to the public. My favorite performance? Shi Yue Ling as Empress Dowager - what strength and power she showed with just some tiny movements and stares. The character was truly scary with how approachable she felt. Shi Yue Ling also did an amazing job showing the subtle change in the character’s feelings when something did not go the way she wanted - enough for the viewers to see it clearly and understand, hidden enough so we can believe the other characters did not notice.

As for the plot itself: the pacing of when and how they dropped the hints was so good, even though at the end of the day the plot was rather simple, it was presented in quite a skillful manner. While watching you will most likely always be one step ahead of the show, guessing what’s about to happen, but not necessarily the whole mid side picture. Why mid size? The past, conspiracy, crime - all do not feel that grand, even if they concern the people of the highest power in the country.

The story showcases the differences between justice and revenge. How trying to seek punishment on the people who hurt us can turn us into the same people we hate and want to fight. How while we are hiring, we can become blind to the pain of other people. Can we justify all of our actions just because we are victims?

What’s more to love? The visuals! So many beautiful scenes, good special effects. What I especially appreciated is how they knew how to film performances. A few scenes showing plays were a perfect balance of artsy and straightforward.

At the same time I cannot wrap my brain around the EXCESSIVE use of blur in the edges of the scenes. Why oh why? They used it even during scenes when the important character for that specific scene was standing closer to the edge of the shot. It also takes a moment to get used to the grainy filter for the “flashbacks” - not all flashbacks. In that aspect the drama lacked consistency.

One thing that made me lower the rating was the confusing scene that blurred the motivation of the main villain - what did they want to present with it?

Overall, fun and addicting. Best at showing the diversity of the characters which led to many entertaining, moving, thrilling and at times frustrating moments.