Yan xi gong lüe

I haven't seen such a wonderful TV play for a long time The heroine is really too clever

Yet another Chinese costume drama with strong female lead which is thoroughly entertaining. The acting as usual is first rate and the plot which unsurprisingly sometimes sags over the 70 episodes is overall gripping. The story centres on a young girl entering the forbidden city as a seamstress to seek revenge for her murdered sister. To achieve her aims she must use all her wits to progress and find out the truth. Along the way with each step up she meets countless new enemies and challenges.

This drama was gripping from start to finish. All of the characters are fully fleshed out, and it's very easy to root for the protagonist. While attempting to avenge her sister, she encounters many, many enemies; however, she is able to thwart them every time.

Additionally, I would watch it simply for the amazing costumes and setting. The Qing Dynasty era clothing and hair is worth it.

I've seen this story twice, but finally I'm able to understand all story arcs, and boy, there are many.

For starters there's the intriguing story about a girl who plays detective in the palace in order to revenge the murder on her sister. She happens to sustain the weak and fight the bullies in the long run, and she gets help from a royal palace guard, the younger brother of the empress. This gentle, well behaved lady admires and loves the headstrong, self made girl, improving her status wherever she can, much to the annoyance of her own husband.

The emperor himself is frequently irritated by this unruly palace maid. Of course there's more than meets the eye and their developing relationship is the best story arc in my opinion, giving some comic relief as well.

Since this is a story about the palace there are the usual vicious schemes of the women in the harem, their characters are really fleshed out, and there's also the harem-in-reverse theme: our heroine is loved by several men. Not that typical is the sound and fulfilling ending of the series, which is great. Highly recommended!

Loooveeeee it. Bear with the many episodes but trust me it's all worth it!!!