It's passable. There are some very good plot scenes+acting, especially the three cases that I re-watched a few times now; cattle thief, tear of the Buddha statue and the grain weigh. My all time favorite Judge Bao comes to mind during these cases. Oh, the memory. Conversely there are some questionable plots. In the end it sort of balances out but there are also some plot holes, which can also be ignored. If you don't like female scheming (I don't) the best part of the plot will pick up when they travel to Xizhou and in Xizhou. The clothes and props are simply dazzling, very unique to that time period and place. Kudos for the production team. Forewarn, the later 1/3 of the drama has many time leap. I dislike this a lot and I think may have something to do with trimming the drama from the initial 40 episodes to 37. Although that may not be it. Still don't like it. It's very lazy work, if you ask me. I think the earlier episodes can be cut to an episode or two to give room to play for the rest of the drama. Also, spoiler alert, expect no grand battle scenes. The white filter really bothers me at the beginning but someone must have some senses and darken near the end making it more comfortable for older people like me to watch. Overall it is watchable. It's better than the first part for sure. I will rewatch my favorites scenes.

I will only evaluate Xu Weizhou as I follow this drama because of him. His acting improved drastically within one year since filming the first part (late 2020), also his first in costume drama. This second season was filmed two years ago, from Sept-Nov 2021. I want to applaud Xu Weizhou for his amazing portrayal and shaping of Pei Xingjian, a real early Tang Dynasty historical figure. I finally found the taste of ancient scholarly flair I loved so much as a child watching Chinese costume dramas through his performance. He doesn't look or feel like a modern person cosplaying in ancient China. Xu Weizhou's Pei Xingjian has the right etiquette, mannerism that fits his status of a highly educated noble man. He is gentle, elegant, scholarly yet firm and sharp in his actions in his belief for his country and family. The real Pei Xingjian was prolific and renowned in both civil and military exploits (a feat not many historical figure achieved) and Xu Weizhou's Pei Xingjian exude this unique charm. It's a pity that this drama cuts a lot of the novel's best highlights of Pei Xingjian's civil and military contribution and his influence in Xizhou. It even downplay it somewhat. But, what's in the cracks still shines. That shining ray of light is his microexpression. It is exceptional. Very delicate and particularly piercing during fight scenes. As a person who grew up watching martial arts films, it's just beautiful. Although these fight scenes would be even more awesome if the cut is wide shot instead frame rate. It's also a pity that the original voice was not used. I saw some behind the scenes of Xu Weizhou's original voice and it is much better than the dubbed. Oh, well. Finally, congratulations, Xu Weizhou! Well done. Pei Xingjian is a very charming and unique ancient character I haven't seen for a long while now. I look forward to more interesting roles Xu Weizhou will bring to the audience.