Yes, the characters jump 20 ft in the air. Yes, the tone can kind of be ridiculous sometimes and seem over the top. Yes, this is also one of the best shows I've ever watched in my life. THE STORY TELLING IS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. The foreshadowing even from episode one is so clever and Mei Changsu is just SUCH A PROTAGONIST. Like I love crafty, scheming characters and he is no exception. His will to do anything in his power to receive justice and put Jingyan on the throne no matter what happens to him... Like his line about doing the things Jingyan won't be able to do like he really said I'll be the bad guy so you don't have to <3 like those two are INSANE. Mei Changsu is just a brilliantly written character. He's extremely sick and always one step away from death, but he's man on a very dedicated mission. And atp he really does have nothing to lose so ofc he's going to do the actual most and have all the audacity ever. Ugh i love him. That being said, I also ADORE Prince Jing as the justice focused, honorable soldier type who doesn't even want the throne until master manipulator Mei Changsu comes along. Jingyan and Changsu complement each other so well and just have one of the best dynamics of all time like YEAH THEY !!! Ofc the plots are so well thought-out and leave you on the edge of your seat and YEAH Jingrui's birthday party arc is my favorite arc of television EVER. NO ONE could've prepared me for the sheer insanity that I witnessed like just. HUHHHHH. How was any of that real... WHAT AN INSANE COUPLE OF EPS. And yeah that being said never invite Mei Changsu to your bday party. But yeah the plot is perfect and so brilliantly written and every single one of the twenty million characters are brilliantly. Yeah, it can be hard to keep track of all of them but they're all perfect. Commander Meng is loyal to a fault and such a fun character like what a guy I adore him. Fei Liu is just <333 Another loyal to a fault character he was just everything I love his dynamic with MCS. Prince Yu is so hilariously pathetic he's so funny. AND THEN THERES THE WOMEN !!!! Nihuang is perfect, Xia Dong is perfect, Consort Jing may be the best character in the show, AND THEN THERES BANRUO. No one has ever gaslit gatekept and girlbossed like her im absolutely OBSESSED WITH HER. Like Prince Yu is so STUPID he would be NOWHERE without Banruo. This show is just genuinely incredible and completely keeps your attention for all 50+ eps ugh i just truly am obsessed with this show its just so well written <33