From the very start, Mantuo did an amazing job of being annoying and immature (yes I absolutely hate her). Mantuo went from being a crybaby to a scheming woman who disregards family relations and thinks everyone is the enemy. She loved crying and pouting to get out of difficult situations and thought she was smarter than the rest. Eventually everyone knew that she always played innocent, but actually she always has evil intentions (like Banruo, wants to be empress). Pls I want to stab her everytime I see her -.-

I loved the relationship between Banruo and Jialuo - the sisterly love was stronggg. Banruo and Jialuo looked out for one another, and whenever Jialuo had issues, Banruo knew straight away and was able to comfort her in such a graceful and motherly way.

Ady An was initially my favourite character. Banruo was elegant, strong willed and determined. She wanted to become Empress and would do almost anything to achieve it, except she always put Dugu family first. When she started to play around with Yuwen Hu and Yuwen Yu, I started disliking her. Sadly she couldn't overcome her own schemes and despite achieving empress, she did not have a happy life. But even in death, she looked out for Jialuo and that is something I truly admire.

My other favourite (or my overall favourite) is Jialuo. I loved watching her grow up from a playful and cheeky young girl with no worries in the world to a married woman in love to finally being empress and a mother to all. She always stuck by her morals and never swayed. Even when she was picked on, set up or disgraced, she always pulled through and always put others first. Despite constantly being set up by Mantuo, she never took revenge, but instead always showed sisterly concern. Because of this trait, she was often hurt by those she cared about. I wish I saw more Jialuo in action - we see her using a bow and arrow twice and fighting once. Also wished she actually kissed in the scenes :'( she didn't really do anything when Yang Jian kissed.. Finally I noticed that out of the three sisters, we never see Jialuo pregnant nor giving birth..

Unlike her sisters, Jialuo was carefree and did not care about the prophecy 'Dugu tian xia'. All she wanted in life was a happy marriage and to have kids and live a humble but happy life. Her love story started with Yuwen Yong and later Yang Jian. Her initial relationship with Jian was rocky due to Mantuo, but after he saw her true colours, he was a decent man. He promised Jialuo that he would only be loyal to her and would have no concubines.

Through Yang Jian's ambitions, he eventually went from being a General to Emperor. His thirst and his ability to control power had changed him. Jialuo and his relationship faltered, but in the end was still strong.

Great retelling of history, amazing cast, and beautiful costumes. Love love loveee (check out my other reviews on instagram @chinesemoviesdramas)