I am late into the game, but I glad I gave this drama a shot. I have not watched Allen's and Bai Lu's past work. I am more aware of Allen as it seems to be crowned as the god of historical works. Tried watching Under the Power previously but it just didnt attract me after the first few episodes to continue. After watching this drama, I can't agree more to the statement that Allen is made for historical pieces. As for Bai Lu, while I am aware of her works, but it never struck me to start on them. Once again, I hardly have any criteria to watch any dramas, I mainly just watch randomly. For One and Only, it was widely debated but I only decided to watch halfway into the broadcast.

STORY
Story-wise, yes a adaption of a novel which was widely anticipated. I had not read the novel but the basic gist based on the trailer was teacher-student relationship, and political involvements. All in all, it was forbidden love. I was fully aware of the ending before I started on this drama, but because I wasn't familiar with the entire story and cast, I didn't have much expectations when I started watching. Overall, it was rather unique and interesting and whilst there were boring portions starting from the middle of the series, I still managed to complete it :)

Overall, the romance aspects were very subtle, but enough to make you smile and quiver. The main couple of course makes you all smiles, but you do realize with their minimal skinship portrayed in this series (since they are teacher & student) it's still enough to make you drawn to them. That's a well-executed and directed production I would say. I just really love how Allen's character is well-respected by his disciples and that there's balance ! No gender discrimination ! There are also female warriors and everyone gets along like a family!! Maybe more could be explained on the teaching? Because while Sheng Chen was Shiyi's teacher, I don't really see much of him teaching?

ACTING
Allen's Zhou Sheng Chen - No words for his character. He is willing to sacrifice for the nation's peace, to the extent of vowing not to have wives or children his entire life. Sometimes it just made you wish he was a little more selfish, because ultimately the nation didn't deserved him and he was awfully excuted in the most cruel way. He was a great warrior and a great teacher, is ending will be the most memorable to me, albeit a sad one. It's also provoking because his last words was "I had not let anyone down in this lifetime, but only Shi Yi". That's so bittersweet, because he had let Shi Yi go, for the sake of his promise and protecting "his people". But these are the same people, who ultimately drove him till his end. :(

Bai Lu's Shi Yi - I had no idea she was gonna be a mute character at the start, but it thoroughly impressed me because she can convey so much with such little lines! I was so happy when she regain her ability to talk again because of Sheng Chen, but it just breaks my heart again when she is unable to speak again at the last few episodes :( her crying scenes are really tear-jerking. She really conveyed the emotions with her eyes and expressions. While she wasn't trained to be a warrior, but she definitely had the spirit of one. She chose her own ending, for the sake of her family and for she know, she and Sheng Chen will reunite in their next lives.

As a couple, they are so bitter-sweet. He vowed to not marry, but he definitely moved for Shi Yi. While Shi Yi was initially a to be crown princess, she was willing to give up all she got, not for any name or title, but just to be by his side. The bad ending breaks my heart. but it was destined to be right from the start. I am glad there's a continuation (Forever & Ever) where there will be a happy ending in another lifetime. To me however, it just feels different maybe because the timelines are different, it will never be the same. They all say bad endings are long lasting, and I believe it will be true for this drama.

MUSIC
Soundtracks were awesome! Allen sang one of the OSTs ~

REWATCH VALUE
I would recommend because as a whole, it was still well-produced and executed. Acting was great, directing and music was awesome. Just got bored out by the political parts here and there and also cried my balls out for the ending :| anyway, this is also a slowburn drama, so might not be anyone as well

OVERALL
It was a good watch, I just can't wait for the sequel now. The acting was really great. Kudos to Allen & Bai Lu!!!