PROS:

Styling and visuals

BEAUTIFUL. Both Zhang Linghe and Wang Churan looked soooo good in this drama. I know people complained about the styling not being historically accurate but i personally, do not care. Every single the female cast had were absolutely beautiful even if they aren’t the leads. The military uniforms were good and I love how different they were to one another too.

The ml’s Devotion

I just love a male lead who’s completely devoted for the fl . His devotion for her were one of my fave parts I mean she literally put him through hell and there he was so in love till the very end. But I can’t completely be upset because she went through such a hard life. So in the end I still love them both. I’m still stuck on her asking him if he’d kill for her and he just answered with who ? LIKE HELLOOOOOO. Peak media.

Chemistry

I actually enjoyed all the pairings. I loved that all three couples had chemistry with their respective partners. Regardless of all the outcomes .. The relationships were genuinely enjoyable to watch.

The Acting

The acting CARRIED. Whatever the directors, and editors lacked, the cast did their absolute best to make up for it.

Story

The story itself was really good. Even if it got carried away sometimes. The characters had clear reasons for vengeance. The last plot twist REALLY GOOD had no idea the two brothers were working together. Literally, I know Boze couldn’t have been all that bad. But was not expecting him to have plotted all of that. THEU ALSO GAVE US a lil of Dad Qingyi I loveddd that. even though it barely lasted, and we never saw it again at the end </

CONS

Editing

This is what caused the hate train. They did them so dirty. The drama was actually really good if you continue it.

Trauma for Trauma’s Sake

The writing def fell into trauma porn territory. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE a good angsty, traumatic storyline but dam did they really have to kill everyone? At some point the shock value drops because everyone is dead. TO WRITERS EVERY WHERE you can put your characters through hell without killing off half the cast. I would have prefer to see a true happy ending.

Time Line

I HATEEEEE time skips and they just had too much of that. Some of the character ages, backstories and life events don’t add up when you sit down to think about it.

OVER ALL I THINK the hate was definitely blown out of proportion and I have no idea why Zlh has been receiving so much hate all year long for every drama he’s released.