This is the most amazing drama I have ever seen in my life. The script was so magnificent, intelligent and well written that it totally took my breath away. I really appreciated the bulletproof script where there is no room for plot holes or questionable plotlines. Everything flows smoothly and every single scene happens for a reason. Just when you question one plot, it addresses it in the next episodes and you finally understand all the smiles, smirks, nods, ambiguous conversations, or even focused items -- everything comes together like a perfect puzzle in the end.

The last scenes of last episode totally make me bawl like a baby especially the reminiscence scenes of Prince Jing & Princess Nihuang. I mean, we all aware that Lin Shu's death is inevitable since we know he is dying since episode 1 but it still evoke your feelings greatly to the depth of your heart. And I'm actually amazed with the writing as at the end, not only Lin Shu got his dying wish which is to restore the Chiyan's Army name but he also managed to do thing for himself finally! -- not for Chiyan army or his father or Prince Qi but for himself, which is to let him die as Lin Shu, doing things that he most loved and proud of. The writer wants to point out that despite it is a sad ending, it wasn't sad after all since he managed to do what he wants at last and live a fulfilled life despite how short it is. The writer wanted to tell us that its not a matter how long you live your life, but how you wished to live it. Lin Shu was adored by everyone -- even those who is not in his generation or after he has long gone because of the legacy that he left behind.

Hu Ge is probably the best Chinese actor that I have ever has the honour of watching. He mastered the art of subtle acting. His expressions was simple yet very effective that pierced right through your heart. Lin Shu is very charismatic despite being fragile and weak -- a combination that is rare to find.

There's actually an alternate ending that was originally aired in 2015 by the production team where they show Lin Shu survives and spent his days with Lin Chen & Fei Liu at Langya Hall. But they decided to cut that scene in the official ending as it served and suited the drama's theme better. TBH, both endings are fine with me since it shows that Lin Shu is happy and contented. :D

What a great drama! The saddest thing about this whole thing at the end is that I may never found another good drama as extraordinary as this. I learned a lot of manipulation tricks (lol) and the mind games on how to read people. When a drama is both educational and engaging while entertaining at the same time, you know it’s a winner! 10/10 - Perfect all the way through from writing, acting, directing and cinematography! A gem that you may only find once in a lifetime.