Palace intrigue and power struggles usually bore me after a few episodes, but this drama kept my eyes riveted to the screen. The acting is top notch, especially that of Jung Ryeo Won. Every actor holds their own, making their characters real and sympathetic (even the villains). I am notoriously hard to please when it comes to dramas, especially historical dramas, but this one is one of my favorites. I gave this show a 9, which is an honor only a handful of dramas/movies have gotten from me.