First of all, I do like the acting and chemistry of the two main leads Weiyoung and Tuoba Jun. They look good together.

I have not seen the novel but I think the main issue in this drama is that the characters seem to lack dimension. The good are just pure good. The villains are pure bad - Chiyun Rou, Chiyun Nan, Li Changle, Tuoba Yu. Their decisions are pretty predictable and you can't really see much conflict in their choices. The most interesting character would probably be Chang Ru.

The realism of the production also is a bit disappointing. Characters escaping a fire scene unscathed with perfect hair and no dirt o soot on their face or clothing. One of the main supporting character charging out to a serious battle scene with a broad smile on his face (wot?!). A background calefare maid (no agenda) in a serious scene smiling broadly as if posing for a camera. Do they not vet the scenes? O.o It is also the first time I've seen a merrygoround torture for a historical drama lulz

Acting wise, Tiffany Tang and Luo Jin did great in their roles. It feels like they can handle better more complex characters. However, it feels like some actors are overacting like Li Changle and Tuoba Yu. It feels like they are just trying to act the role. When good actors do it, you would feel they are the character they play and not just acting. The acting in Goodbye My Princess was way more impressive despite having a somewhat cliche plot and using relatively unknown lead actors.

There are much better palace historical dramas out there with more depth and interesting characters - Empresses in the Palace, Yanxi Palace, Rise of Phoenixes, Legend of Mi Yue. This is something decent to watch if bored.