Jing xin si yu

I loved this show. Not many shows are getting my attention lately. I just so happened upon this show and though of Cinderella of the Chinese and it isn't like European Cinderella where she sees him and immediately falls for him. Concubine daughter wants nothing to do with noble, ends up falling for him and having to struggle. Just wish I didn't have to read the subtitles in order to watch it...wasn't easy with having the subs flying across my screen and me having to stop, rewind and pause it so many times. But was better than the European/American stories anyday.

I believe this is what is know as a Harem drama, and is the first I have watched. It centers on a low born woman being married into a prestigious family as the 'first wife' in a household which includes several concubines but she is fantastically skilled in embroidery which she wants to persue as a career but means she is the only women on the house who does not want to be there. Cast into this toxic atmosphere she finds herself threatened by scheming concubines determined to undermine her position, a position she does not want!

As she overcomes these obstacles her cold and distant husband comes to recognise her talents and just what a nice person she is and so starts the slow burning romance.

I have to mention the cinematography which at times is jaw dropping. A simple story of good against evil and good triumphing eventually told in an entertaining and engaging way which is carried by the two leads who give fantastic performances.

I really enjoyed this drama. It was good, it really Teaches us to be good, and let your words be your honour 🎖

I'm not sure how this show managed to make a dull couple with the most tepid temperament so much fun to watch. Perhaps it's the chemistry between the FL and ML (played by Seven Tan and Wallace Chung). Or maybe because they are the least annoying characters among a boatload of over-the-top, melodramatic personalities in this harem drama.

The story follows the trial and tribulation of a concubine's daughter who married into a large prestigious family filled with continuous conflicts and intrigues. There were also several murder mysteries that placed her and her new family at risk. There are definitely plot pitfalls, but not enough to dampen my enjoyment of the show thus far.

Some of the elements that kept me going past twenty-some episodes were the exquisite set design and original soundtracks. The beautiful "Be together" by Zhou Shen is now one of my favorite Chinese drama theme songs. In addition, the performance by Seven Tan and Wallace Chung really was a pleasure to watch.

I recommend this romantic period drama to anyone who needs a fun little mental escape at the end of a long day.

Hang in there because the series really pulls together around episode four. The dynamic of a home with both concubines and a legal wife was portrayed in all it's brutal reality which, at times, was hard to watch. I can't imagine being a woman in China during these periods.

The best part was, Tan Songyun, the lead actress, who gave an almost flawless performance.