Drama Digest
The story proceeds with three sisters marrying into three branches of descendants of the Yelu family in the early episodes; they are fated to fight for the throne of the Liao kingdom. Xiao Hunian, Xiao Yanyan, Xiao Wuguli – each of them are very different personalities with encounters and challenges of their own.
The Feel-Good Part
The history of the Khitans is beautiful. They gave equal rights to the women, who are allowed to rule, unlike the women of southern kingdoms and especially the subsequent Chinese dynasties. A perfect balance of wins and losses between the main characters and the villains kept the story interesting till the end. The drama is visually stunning, with a lot of color and beautiful landscapes. Han De Rang and Yanyan’s story was lovely as the drama focuses less on the romance but the profound respect and support they have for each other.
The Disappointing Factor
The pacing for this drama was off. The ending slightly rushed, and Hunian’s story did not flesh out. Xiyin and Wuguli were not bearable. We don’t get a bunch of twists and turns, and the plots were entirely predictable. If you are looking for a more romantic drama, you can be slightly disappointed.
In-Depth Analysis
The drama depicts the life of Xiao Yanyan, who was the most powerful woman in the Liao dynasty. Xiao Yanyan and Han De Rang were lovers since childhood, but were separated when she was sent into the empire to become the consort of Telu Xian. Xiao Yanyan fulfills her job with dedication as an empress and gains her husband’s respect after the policies she instated proved her capability. She is entrusted with governing the country and acting as regent for their son after Yelv Xian’s death and is eventually able to marry her true love.
Star Power
Excellent acting all around, to name a few: Shawn Dou acted very well, especially when his fiancé was being taken away. Jing Chao delivered an excellent performance when his brother got castrated. King Taiping is proved a great antagonist and Yansage, too, as he was so multi-layered in the entire drama. King Ming Yi is somewhat manipulative and tricky but is a likable person because of his humor. Tan Kai was a big surprise! He totally nailed the way to revealing the ambiguities of his character.
Overall Opinion
The drama is worth a watch. You will enjoy learning about Yanyan’s life, her relationship with Han De Rang, her family, and her commitment to becoming a capable leader. It’s a visually stunning drama.
