I was biased, when I first saw the name of the drama Joy of life I thought it was some boring drama, I like Chinese costume dramas some of them were good and interesting to watch, so I decided to give it a try last year and started, and I was really shocked to find the show turned out far better than expected never watched something like this, male lead is shown weak when the story starts, but he is very smart, and he is living a protected life, and he decides to leave there.
I am writing this review from my memory, so after a rewatch will update it more.
Things I liked about this show, story is very interesting it never gets boring have lots of twist and turns, great cast and better acting good background music, interesting characters, my favourite scene was when male lead meets the emperor, and he talks about poetry and that he know about things from another world when he is challenged by a master there he starts reciting the poetry that scene is excellent and well performed by male lead, this show was the place he could show his acting talent, don't if any other actor could have done this better.
I liked his relationship with his sister and scenes with them together, the female lead sadly at least in season 1 has nothing big to do other than being love interest of the male lead.
Best part is that unlike most c dramas, this one doesn't waste time dragging the story adding unnecessary scenes etc even if viewer might feel the story world is dark and danger is hiding in every corner and death can happen any time the show don't turn depressing they don't waste time focusing more on bad guys winning or making male lead weak, male lead faces challenges and viewers might feel he might lose, but he uses his wits to overcome crisis.
Interesting part is male lead has better chemistry with Saintess Duo Duo than female lead, also liked the interactions with Si Li Li.
This show is one of the best costume dramas I have watched, along with Sword Snow Stride, both of them are must watch for fans of wuxia/fantasy/martial arts genre.
I heard it's a Trilogy and season 2 is not here yet, I might just read the novel.