Firstly, I am convinced that directors and producers from China read our reviews on MDL. I am starting to see a new wave of historical/period Chinese dramas that don't involve damsels in distress female lead characters, but rather vulnerable women, who are forced to be strong because of the events of their life, who are not willing to be treated as second class citizens because of their gender (even if the law force them to act like one). Also, I've made request in the past, asking for C-drama episodes to decrease from 60-80 to 20-30. Thank you for listening. Now, I can finally start my review...

THE REASON WHY I RECOMMEND THIS DRAMA [EPISODES 1-20]
What I like about the drama A Dream of Splendor is the realistic, normalized, matured storyline of two people liking one another. There was good pacing (you'll be relieved to know that the side conflicts (not the main one) are usually resolved within 1-2 episodes); I like how the main scene changed twice (city 1, to the boat, to city 2)within the first 10 episodes, and how the transition made sense. Pacing, setting changes when necessary, and a well written script are what helps keeps the viewers intrigued. Additionally, there was almost no unbelievable plots, and no slow motion-fall-into-your-arms-then-stare-at one another-for 20-minute effects.

Regarding, the chemistry between the two leads, there was hardcore flirtation going on (no I don't mean sexual) but rather normal flirtation (how grown-ups flirt). This is almost unheard of in Chinese historical/period dramas with storylines that involve romance. Additionally, since the drama is told from the point of view of the female lead, and the female lead was a registered worker (not prostitute) due to the punishment that her father who was a minister, received from the king. The female lead character doesn't act cutesy and too shy to do NORMAL things. Like, remove the bandages from the male lead body when he was hurt. Yes, I am making a big deal about this because in most C-dramas there's a fake innocence that's presented in these dramas that is not believable. It usually makes me want to drop the drama or forward the scenes. If someone you care about is bleeding, dying or hurt, being shy about their body parts, doesn't make sense.

I like the fact that this drama shows how emotional trauma impacts the brain, and body (the scene on the boat). That scene is very realistic; I am glad that they allowed the character to process her emotions, and choose what's healthy... instead of having her going back to her no-good husband begging him for mercy just because she's a woman (around episode 5).

Lastly, I like the fact that the storyline allows for women to have a business (merchants). Their lives are not solely focused on finding Prince Charming, but it includes NORMAL things like working to make a living. The story shows the sexism and misogyny that they faced, dare they outshine men (episode 16).

CHARACTERS & ACTORS
I also enjoyed watching the female lead character and the actress. I had never seen the actress who played the female lead in any dramas before but she played her role well. The female lead character is independent, witty, and I'd go so far as to say that most women nowadays can relate to her story in this drama. Especially what happened towards the end of episode 15 (the conversation between the her and the male lead). She had been hurt before, and didn't want to get her hopes up because of her low social status. She told the male lead, if you aren't sure; if you aren't ready...then don't let the door hit you on the way out (meaning, don't play with her feelings, leave, if he can't commit).

The actress who played the 30 year old woman who was abandoned by her husband and child, also did a great job. I enjoyed her character because she was always ready to fight and protect, but in a very humorous way. Also, when she realized that she was abandoned by the people she gave her all to (the scene on the boat), she really portrayed what normal people would have done.

The male lead did a great job acting too. I love how flirty he was without being gruesome. Also, he is easy on the eyes, so that helped me like his character more. =) At first, I was confused about how him and the female lead started liking one another so quickly but as you continue to watch, you'll see the inference around episode 12-14. Whew that neck kiss in episode 17 around the 7 minute mark, took me by surprise. LOL! Btw, what happens with the lead characters in episode 20 may also catch you by surprise.

The female lead ex-fiance went about things the wrong way. He should have been truthful about not wanting her to be in danger, like the male lead did, instead of making her feel worthless and like their love was meaningless. I still can't tell if he is a good guy or bad guy (episodes 9-12).

I think this drama could have a modern (2022) remake, and it'll still be great. Keep everything but their style of clothes (makeup, hair, etc) and mode of transportation (no horses, but cars). I'd like to see this as a modern work drama or romcom.

Great drama, I look forward to watching the rest of this drama. I watched up to episode 21 because I am waiting for the other episodes to air.