I love this story. It is inundated with hidden talents that are unexpected, mysterious, interesting, complex and contrasting. Each character has distinct characteristics and is unforgettable. Adapted from a very popular web novel by the talented script writer Wang Juan who has also written for Joy of Life and Young Blood, this drama has a very similar vibe as Joy of Life which was also played by Zhang Ruo Yun as the main lead. Together with Hu Jun, this drama gives the viewers an unusual wuxia story with modern vibes.

Within the first episode, my interest was piqued: Why is the heir to the King (Lord) of Bei Liang displaced? He is like a beggar, dirty in rags, stealing food. Why are there assassination attempts on his life? In fact, seemingly insignificant, how would anyone know he’s the heir and track his whereabout? Why does his old hag of a horse servant run faster than him but not fending him when they are being chased? Why does he want everyone to think that he’s a good-for-nothing idiot? Why is his fearsome father so fearful of him? All these questions, and more, pop up in my head and urge me to continue.

Xu Fengnian (played by Zhang Ruoyun) is well known to be the number one useless playboy in the world. That’s what he wants others to think. Those who know him, including his own father, know he’s the most compassionate, intelligent and strategic person around. For Xu Fengnian, his philosophy of 不取舍, 不妥协 (Bù qǔshě, bù tuǒxié) -- never abandon (as in sacrificing), and never compromise -- brings him a fortunate stroke of serendipity with friends and followers that vow to protect him with their lives. It is this uncompromising conviction that his father, the fearsome General Xu Xiao (played by Hu Jun), thinks his son too naïve and need to be exposed to the reality and darkness of life. During Xu Fengnian’s quest, his father exposes his track to his enemies, at the same time, sends diehard top warriors to protect him. The actions are both ironic and hilarious.

Xu Xiao perhaps can be considered as an ideal father for any child: ruthless and fearsome for others but doting on, even to the extent of submissive to, his own children. He is like a tiger when facing his enemies, but immediately morphs into a little mouse when facing his own children. Unlike most ancient Chinese parents who demand absolute obedience, Xu Xiao doesn’t. In fact, seemingly letting Xu Fengnian having his own way, constantly Xu Xiao teaches him without the youngster even realizing it until very much later when things finally fall into place and reveal themselves. As a great chess player, Xu Xiao is always multiple steps ahead of everyone. Though disagree with the way his father handles things, Xu Fengnian comes to realize and respect his father for his foresightedness.

As romance is not the central theme to the story, as of season one anyway, nonetheless viewers do get a peek at Xu Fengnian’s possible love interest. As a princess of a by-gone kingdom which is conquered by Xu Xiao, Jiang Ni (played by Li Gengxi/Teresa Li) has a love-hate relationship with his family. On one hand, she understands that Xu Xiao has saved her, on the other, she is upset that Xu Xiao has taken her country and destroyed her family. She takes her torments out on Xu Fengnian by repeatedly assassinating him. Despite her continued laments that she is now a maid for Xu Fengnian, she is happy to dry his books for him under the sun.

Perhaps the most pitiful character is our antagonist, Zhao Kai (played by Liu Duanduan). His one-track mindedness to kill Xu Fengnian is both funny and pathetic.

Xu Fengnian’s relationship with all the characters has been very well developed, and from here, viewers can clearly see his values and baseline. He loves all his siblings and constantly want to protect them. He cares for all his people, including his maids and servants, and treat them like his own family.

Hu Jun has a commanding look. One look at him would conjure up images of ruthlessness, and in wrath, he could order to kill everyone that comes in his way. And yet, at a click of the fingers, Hu Jun can become the most affable grandfather any kids would love to cuddle up with. Hu Jun is simply amazing and has captured his character with flying colors. Zhang Ruoyun’s acting here is rather similar to that of Joy of Life with an apathetic look. His chemistry with Hu Jun is so great that most viewers do not have enough of their scenes together. Most of the criticism of choice of actors has perhaps fallen on Li Gengxi, who comparatively, is less attractive than the others and has less experience in acting. However, I find her acting acceptable and she has brought out the Jiang Ni character rather convincingly. Her chemistry with Zhang Ruoyun is good too.

My Verdict

This is not your normal kind of wuxia story. Every character has its story and each may carry a big mystery behind it. What each character says is not necessarily what it (the character) means, and its action not necessarily the actual motive. Everything is not what it seems and it is hard to fathom until the treacherous events brought forth to light.

Some of the actions can be illogical, and the logic can be so simple that it becomes illogical and unusual, making the whole thing hilarious. The use of analogies, double or hidden meaning in each sentence which consists of blunders layered on top of each other, making the dialogues extremely amusing. Every move and word from the characters is out of expectation. Though speaking with dialogues in ancient poetic verses, they are infused with modern vibes. The humors have come from the conflicting ideas and situations, in the satirical of human weaknesses. When it exaggerates, it doubles down. It is all these that make the whole story intriguing and captivating.

A lot of the criticism has come from viewers dissatisfy with the slow motion of martial art actions. Perhaps some viewers are expecting the type of martial art fighting scenes of the Hong Kong style of the old days when many of such actors were indeed martial art masters themselves. For me, I would have preferred the current style, as the director attempts very well to show the viewers the beauty of the fighters’ choreography and stance with hair flying and robes floating in the air. The current style of shooting emphasizes more on aesthetic values rather than the actual fighting itself. Therefore, this is a matter of taste, and should not be used to judge the quality of the drama.

Unlike the cliff hanger ending for Joy of Life, and despite the unresolved mysteries in this story, the ending here for season one is at a very appropriate point. This is a drama that makes you smile and feel warm from within.

Great drama! Recommended! Two thumbs up!