Shonen to its core; rewatchable feel-good show

NOTE: I consider a score of 5 average, therefore my score of 8/10 is very high.

Mostly wanted to write this review after watching the anime, which is apparently closer to the webnovel, and rewatching this for the first time in preparation for the prequel (Dashing Youth). This is only the 2nd show I've ever rewatched, so take that as a very high compliment.

Overall, given the government constraints of 40 eps max, I think the pacing and execution of the webnovel plot (several hundred chapters long) is actually superior to the source material. There are pivotal moment rewrites and rearrangements (Xiao Se's identity reveal, the first time Xiao Se uses his powers again, Wuxin's return, the appearance of important characters such as the 2 other princes, etc.) that are much more impactful in the drama than in the anime/novel because of their timing/writing. Huge kudos to the screenwriter for cleaning up the OG plot and orchestrating everything so much better.

The introduction of the overarching imperial palace plot is brought in earlier and integrated much more frequently, and keeps you hooked through the first half to see how it develops. Because of this early sprinkling, the transition from being mostly wuxia/jianghu-heavy to court politics feels very smooth, and as someone who watches mostly wuxia/xianxia and historical/court politics dramas, this is one of the most well-executed shows that balances the two nicely. I first watched this shortly after watching Nirvana in Fire and craving something that was slightly more wuxia-heavy but still had enough plotting to be satisfying, and although the tone of this show is incredibly different from NIF, the combination of those two elements here satisfied that craving. Also a rare thing to see within the genre is such a well done generationally balanced cast--the young and older generations are equally important and present in the story, and actual older actors/actresses play older characters, which is sorely needed in the idol drama genre.

I think if you approach the show as a live action version of a shonen anime/manga (少年 is literally in the title of the show, lol), i.e. not too grim-dark, where the power of friendship and justice always prevails, and everyone gets their magical cure and happy ending, then you'll be in for a very fun ride. It's true that there are very frequent and fast character introductions of many, many characters, which is why I also rated the rewatch value so highly, as you'll understand and appreciate much better who everyone is talking about and how it ties in with other aspects of the plot.

Minor notes:
- They somehow cast almost everyone to be very similar to their anime appearance, the major difference being Xiao Se. I haven't read the webnovel, but assuming the anime characterization is closer, I'd also say that Xiao Se's characterization is very different in the drama compared to the webnovel/anime. In the latter he's more laid back, expressive, talkative, and extravagant(?)(pretentious?), while in the drama I'd describe him as more direct, impassive/inscrutable, short/reticent, and irritable. I'd say they're both equally sarcastic/quick-witted/judgmental, but just in different flavors. The drama version makes him feel more childish at times but I personally think that makes him more likeable. Just a word of warning so you don't go into the anime/novel expecting the same Xiao Se.

- If I could, I'd rate the costuming as 10/10--some of the outfits stick closely to the anime for good reason (e.g. Lei Yun He--PEAK), but other times it surpasses it.

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