Yan xi gong lüe

I've never finished a China-production drama before, especially not one which runs to 70 episodes. But this was my first time ever. It got me and my ENTIRE family fighting over the remote to catch up on the episodes we missed. We weren't even bored to rewatch any episodes with each other. The storyline is gripping, many sad stories and past hidden behind the villains. Almost every single cast member had such a deep plot behind them, and such fluidity to the story, that I was most impressed by the script itself. You felt the pain of even the maids surrounding the main casts. This does not fall into the cliches of period drama at all. The lead is way too witty (honestly ridiculous at some points), but her wittiness gives the show a really new atmosphere. Often times it really annoys me when i see the 'victim' script go by and the *lead is stuck in a predicament unable to explain her way out of it*, but not this one! Every single main cast and sub-storyline casts were all very well detailed and contrived. Villains boasted considerable intelligence and craftiness, and you often sat at the edge of your seat waiting to find out how the lead would get out of the mess this time round.

This is not one to be missed. The story really gets going a few episodes in, but you don't want to miss anything, because that's how detailed this story is.

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!

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

I saw it as an elegant embroidery. Full of beautiful colors, seductive for wise performances and delicacy and generous story and locations and costumes. A historical serie like fresh air. Different, special, seductive, dramatic, beautiful in profound sense.

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.