The first half of this drama is thrilling, romantic, funny, aggravating, devastating - a whirlwind of emotions. If memory recalls, around episode 7 or 8 there is a stunning sequence of shots at the lantern festival; if previous episodes hadn't hooked you with the female lead's comedy then this moment of pure wonder and moving background music will. Admittedly, there are moments of real frustration for viewers even in the first half that seep their way through to the second half (and it's confusing and rushed finish), but since this is a part 1 review I will not condemn what is yet to come. Although it's been promoted largely as a romance, at heart this is a tale of family and how far people will go to defend it. Even the Emperor punishes his children - but he protects and loves them as well (as much as any other father would); we see parent-child relationships on imperial and common levels, and it's exactly because we see the familiar family dynamics of Cheng Shaosheng's house that we can have empathy and interest in the royal court. You will cry, cure and smile watching this drama - the one thing you won't do is regret it! So get to watching :)))