This period C-drama series "Story of Ming Lan" is totally a different level and the first period C-drama that I truly liked and impressed with, so much so, that I actually watched the episodes without fast forwarding, rewinded dialogs so that I can understand the stories and plots, and spent sleepless hours just to finished every episodes. I can truly say that this C-drama is so great and epic due to the very good quality writing, screenplay, acting, cinematography, and directing overall. The Story of Ming Lan starts slow in the beginning but it's a slow burn that builds up towards the final half, and then burns warmly in the end. The only period drama series that I can compare this with is the Korean epic period drama "Empress Ki", which is also excellent. (Disclaimer: This review is my opinion only. Some may not like this C-drama). I don't usually write reviews of the C-dramas that I have watched so far. I used to hate watching period C-drama due to the silly illogical cheesy and even cringy plots, immature childish female characters that only scream, throw tantrums and do pouty sulks, emotionless wooden male characters that only talk amongst themselves into fighting unskilled assassins and soldiers, or spending lots of time in brothels; then there's the choppy editings and cheap sets and cinematography...LOL.