I am really disappointed in Netflix for how they handled the ending of this story. I don’t understand why directors with great material that is the novel change it to suit their own sadistic needs. Yes, those of us who are fans of historical Chinese dramas know that tragedy and angst is a common of this genre of dramas. BUT if the author writes a happy ending, don’t change it to a sad one when you know it will upset your real target audience. We always read the novels and we always are mad at you. Maybe in China they have to give them sad endings because they are communists but if you’re producing a show for Netflix and it is going to reach American consumers, make us happy. I don’t know if they were trying to pull out another season but it is so hard to get all the actors to come back.

Other than that I think whoever selected these characters did an amazing job. The leads were all unconventionally beautiful, I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with Ning Yi’s actor but I did. He is very talented and he played his part well. I loved his character and he made me feel attached to the drama. The chemistry between he and Zhi Wei was amazing and that’s why I’m still bitter about the ending that was drummed up by a sadist. My other favorite actor was the one who played Gu Nanyi. First, he is gorgeous. I want to marry him, please make him the lead of another drama. Second my favorite relationship in the entire season was the one between him and Zhi Wei. He was so devoted to her and all they ever had was each other. They were their own family. Their relationship wasn’t romantic but it touched me a lot. Gu Nanyi is the definition of a best friend becoming family.

If you want to see for like the first time ever what a historical Chinese drama looks like when it has well-done American cinematic effects and elements, you should definitely watch this. If you don’t like sad endings, don’t watch.