Drama Digest
To assist him in assuming the throne during the Longhua era, eunuch Xiao Duo planned with Fu Wang. Bu Yin Lou was meant to be buried alongside the deceased Emperor, but Xiao Duo saves her. A lady-in-waiting named Bu Yin Lou was intended to be the Emperor’s wife. She was meant to die with him because of her position, but Xiao Duo intervenes because Fu Wang has noticed her. She later remains at Xiao’s estate, and their relationship develops. They are unable to express their emotions, though. The path is paved with pitfalls; what will be their fates?
The Feel-Good Part
The primary couple is so adorable! As their relationship progressed, it became apparent that they had an excellent rapport. Under the influence of Bu Yin Lou, Dylan Wang’s Xiao Duo progressively transforms from an initially stiff, unreachable man to a sweet, in-love man who wants to defend his beloved with all his might. He can make jokes and flirt, and I adore the tender moments in which he gazes lovingly into BYL’s extraordinary but gorgeous eyes. I’m so sorry that so many lovely, romantic moments with them were censored! And these moments had such an intense, uplifting emotional energy!
The Disappointing Factor
The first few minutes of this story are excellent. However, the drama slows down in the midsection. Since all the vengeance, revelation, and action happens in the final third, I would have anticipated faster pacing. But sadly, these segments are sluggish. There is a lot of circular talking and waiting for things to transpire that never do.
In-Depth Analysis
Is there a chance that a eunuch and an emperor’s woman will one day elope and live blissfully ever after? According to Xiao Duo (Wang Hedi) and Bu Yinlou (Chen Yuqi), there is. Before they can ultimately find safety, they must overcome several treacherous obstacles and endure great suffering. Both are doomed to suffer horrible deaths if they are discovered. The feeling of danger drives the story forward. The drama’s first half is disorganized in terms of writing, editing, and acting, and a supposed horrifying hanging sequence that is a slapstick comedy. As the drama develops, the pair engage in romantic activities, and all other plots are reduced to minor side plots, turning the entire narrative into a rom-com. The editing is terrible, making the relationship implausible and the already confusing screenplay even more so. Around episode 23, when the action thickens, danger looms, and the narrative becomes more engrossing, the actual plot begins.
Star Power
As Xiao Duo, the head of an imperial bureau that upholds law and order in the kingdom, Dylan Wang is flawlessly cast. He entered the Imperial City six years ago. He used his martial arts expertise and attractiveness to ascend to a powerful position allowing him to look into and exact revenge on his junior brother’s murder. As Bu Yinlou, the illegitimate daughter of a noble family who hides her intellect and wit by acting foolish and lazy, Chen Yu Qi exhibits exceptional acting talent. Bu Yinlou also refuses to take part in palace power games. The remaining cast members are equally impressive and well-developed, especially Peter Ho as the new Emperor, who is fixated on BYL, and Zeng Li as the previous Emperor’s queen, who is fixated on XD. The oppressive desires of the Emperor and ex-empress to own the subjects of their obsession starkly contrast with the unrestricted love between XD and BYL, which strives for the beloved’s survival, freedom, and happiness.
Overall Opinion
You can watch it if you have the leisure, want to binge-watch a costume drama or miss Dylan after LBFaD. The story has some incredible shots and lovely costumes, making it worth watching once. Character development, story development, and the main couple’s chemistry still need to be improved. The first few episodes have little charm, but the narrative starts to hold your attention as you watch more episodes. Try it if you can put up with the difficulties.
