If I could rewind time to rewatch this whole series again, I would do it right now.

I was so excited for DESTINED I even broke out my rusty Mandarin to try reading the webnovel it was based on (Chang Feng Du, or "Long Wind Crossing") before the series even aired. (Turns out my Mandarin was a bit too rusty lol.)

If you're a fan of:
- a heartfelt couple who goes through THICK AND THIN together to solve problems and save civilians
- intricate political schemes featuring a 3-dimensional, cunning villain who's easy on the eyes
- host of side characters that brighten up the screen
- diverse genres from war time, palace intrigue, business start-ups, to even slice-of-life and rom-com
- and main characters that go through amazing growth throughout the series,
Then this drama is right up your alley!!

PROS
❀ This couple is my new gold standard for historical dramas
No misunderstandings, unnecessary break-ups, and over-the-top arguments/bickering. JUST mutual affection and understanding, riding the same frequency, passionate embraces, staunch devotion, and growing with each other. The ML Gu Jiusi is at first a carefree dandy, but you can see that he's still soft-hearted and caring, which sets his character up for huge potential. The FL Liu Yuru is getting ready for an engagement as per the young ladies of the time period, but in the series she blossoms into more than those expectations. I adored how both leads inspired the other to go beyond what society expected of them. For GJS, it was maturing past his playboy tendencies to become an official that brought peace to the people, and for LYR it was seeking a surprise passion: business.
Their interactions were so sweet! I love how LYR turned her accidental marriage into something productive and pushed her husband out of his comfort level. On the other hand, GJS's open mind and natural intelligence also sparked new drive and passion into his wife's heart. Individually, they became dependable and strong. Together, they were a gold star team.
Their romance took up a good portion of the story and hooks you in with satisfying character development from the get-go. After the first 10 episodes or so, underhanded scheming upends their lives as they grow more into their roles to save the family.
OH! I also loved their kiss scenes :)) not to mention the couple looked gorgeous together.

❀ The side characters had significant depth
I love how the show focused on side characters as much as the main leads. Relationships of all types are featured: romance, bromance, sismance, revengemance (lol?), and more. The biggest shout outs I have are:
- Pan Xuan and General Zhou's bromance: one that transcends beyond official positions
- Zhou Ye x Ye Shian x Gu Jiusi's bromance: I literally pump my fist whenever I see them working together in court
- Liu Yuru x Ye Yun x Qin Wan Zhi's sismance: I love how each of them are capable in different ways (businesswoman, physician, and female general!)
- Luo Zi Shang as the villain and his subordinates: this villain!! He's smart and he knows it. Manipulating everyone everywhere he goes. But with his backstory and how the actor portrays him, you CAN'T help but feel as if he deserved more. Obviously too late with his evildoings, but you can't help but think: "what if?" in terms of his upbringing and situation. One of my favorite villains to date.
- Jiang He, GJS's maternal uncle: another intelligent character with hidden depths. I love how he was introduced and integrated into the story, as well as his role in wrapping everything up.
- GJS's mom and LYR's mommance: lol sismance but they're in-laws. Both strong women in their own unique ways.

❀ Everyone was casted really well
I loved Bai Jing Ting in You Are My Hero and Reset, and he was AMAZING in this historical piece. His facial expressions - especially towards the beginning - were hilarious as he acted as a carefree dandy. Later down the episodes, even though his character matures and starts to command attention both in the palace and on the battlefield, he still retains some of that playfulness. Song Yi's character also grows from a demure lady to a smart businesswoman (after trials and tribulations), and she executes that transformation really well. At first her dub was a bit sweet/sing-songy to me, but I got used to it as it matched her character. Liu Xue Yi as the villain was stellar as well - even though he was super evil I felt for him. I really did. And not just because of his sad backstory and good-looking face, lol.

❀ Really enjoyed the plot execution
Although I know there was deviation from the book, I love how the storyline pans out. I thought everything was revealed naturally and methodically, and the storyline was tight from beginning to end (meaning - no unnecessary fillers). You looking for a Chinese drama with minimal plot holes? You came to the right place. The writers did a great job tying up loose ends, in my opinion. You get to see the outcome of all the major characters and the final conclusion - which did have tragic moments as per unspoken historical Cdrama rule - was ultimately fulfilling. I literally felt like I had withdrawals after I finished the last episode.
As for the plot, we get to enjoy a host of genres: first we see a rom-com background where two seemingly different people end up together. Then, tragedy strikes and they walk through fire together to save their family and rebuild from scratch, lending a slice-of-life feel. LYR is building her business while GJS enters the government as a lowly yamen runner. As he works his way up (literally climbs the official ladder through numerous achievements and plans), we get introduced to war and much more action. Finally, the main leads make it to the capital and the show continues in a palace setting as everything leading up to this moment gets revealed.

❀ Subtle message of female empowerment
I feel like many Cdramas try to push feminist ideals in your face and end up getting a bad rep. DESTINED doesn't have that focus; rather, the feminist ideals are naturally integrated in the story and characters. GJS - literally greenest flag to have ever flown - is open-minded and not afraid to call people out.
- Why would you have filial piety if your father doesn't deserve it? -> A statement he makes that LYR is shocked about, but ends up applying to her own situation.
- Who says that women can't do what men do? -> GJS's message that inspires LYR to find her own passion rather than living for the sake of her husband.
- Women from all sorts of life: from LYR's birth mom to her friend that takes a stand in her hostage situation to the antagonist team's brothel owner who also takes control of her own life, each woman is depicted with quiet strength and resilience.
In terms of female empowerment, this drama does an amazing job in "showing" those ideals rather than just "telling" the audience.

CONS
✕ I can't really think of anything huge under the haze of my overall love for this drama, but some weaker plot points include:
- 2ML/villain's obsession with the FL: I know Asian dramas tend to oversell childhood friends but even the flashbacks weren't strong enough to supplement his attachment to her
- how our main couple never caught a break after they established themselves: it was literally one conflict after another lol. I didn't mind it but I can see why folks get tired after ep 30ish since the series starts dialing up the palace drama and politics.

OVERALL
DESTINED balances multiple genres really well, but at its heart is a young couple who goes through obstacles and end up growing as individuals while saving people. Along the way, they gather a colorful crew of loyal friends who become the pillars of the nation. While the FL and her business does take a step back in the latter quarter to make room for the ML's kingmaker moves in the palace, she still supports and supplements him. At the end of the day, they were certainly destined for each other.

Brb, about to rewatch it now ;)