M Avena

The actors, their characters and their acting are ALL ON POINT. Yes it has its slow moment BUT every episode is worth watching. I have watched a lot of dramas, historical and/or modern, and I can say that this one really touched me. The emotions are all raw, I pitied the princes because they all want the love and affection, and to be acknowledged, of their father/emperor. I also can't blame the emperor for the lack of affection towards his sons, he just wants to treat them equally but with the courts and ministers by their side he acts cautiously around them. Their loyalty to their clans/family members/older brothers/sister, the formed friendship, the knowledge and wisdom of each character and the poems, it's all really on another level. Ning Yi and Feng Zhi Wei's relationship is on another level. you can see their love for each other even though they don't have that much physical contact to one another. Their presence and thoughts for the other is palpable and at the same time heart breaking. Loving someone from afar is doable but heartbreaking. Hoping for a second season. I still feel the pain and hurt while recollecting the scenes in the drama. HANDS DOWN TO ALL THE ACTORS, THE CREWS AND EVERYONE BEHIND IT. KUDOS TO YOU ALL