Hello! I just finished watching this amazing show and headed straight over to join in on the conversations about it. 2022 is an exciting year for us with these new, wonderful dramas being released.
This show is definitely now a top pick for me right along with Long Ballad, Legend of Fei, Ashes of Love, Love and Redemption, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, Etc. High quality content for sure. They put the budget to good use imo.

Story: good- ending was rushed due to new rule on only 40 episodes tho. I don’t blame them too much for that. Wish they shaved some off the middle instead of the end tho.
Music: great. The flow was really nice during the show. Sound effects were good. Nothing overpowered the conversations. I only remember one part that it had a odd little cut in music. Thumbs up?
Acting: top notch as expected from these two legends. Chemistry was so cute. They fit their roles really well too. Both serious and smiley from Yang Yang. I was so happy, pleased, proud of Zhao Lu Si for stepping into this strong female role. She fit it really well and compared to her other “sweet” characters I really enjoyed seeing this change. I think she liked doing something that people wouldn't consider “sweet” as well from what she said in the interviews.
Camera work/Editing: on point imo. It had an almost animated feel to it the in beginning that was so pleasant to see. Beautiful. CGI and other effects were great! Ending was a little less “high quality” than the beginning, but still nothing to complain about too much. I loved the silk as a weapon/tool. Haven’t seen too much of that.

The story is imo relatively original in some aspects and pretty common place in others. I definitely enjoyed the first half (more of the action, martial arts, more relaxed scenes) better than the latter. It was interesting that they had two very different identities and the responsibilities that came with that. I personally think we could have done with more martial arts world scenes and less political ones as those always feel kinda draggy.
I had some questions of logic for example- How did they first meet and why are they famous when no one seems to recognize them until they use their skills. If you know you might possibly give power over to another “good” ruler maybe sit down and talk first before killing a bunch of your soldiers playing power war. Etc.

Over all though I was very pleased and hung on to every word for the majority of the 40episodes. I’m super picky, detailed, and rewind about every five seconds FYI lol.

Definitely recommend. I will continue to come back and watch bits and pieces again. Get your tissues ready for the last few episodes though. Just fair warning. Enjoy! Round of applause ? to everyone for making this wonderful show.