I am watching this after "Princess Royal" Zhang Linghe role is much better here .. he is full of emotions Although i steer away female harems this one has only 3 viable candidates and they compete linearly both the entry and exit arc of each pair is natural ; only that Zhang Zhe was the most boring part there was really no character improvement for him ... no real emotions except maybe Ning'er constant admiration for him. Yan Lin starts carefree childish but grows up to a admirable & reliable general through the hurdles in his life. Also this is one harem that is also more politically focused so give ample screen time to other crucial characters This story explores the causal links between the past, the present and the future.; the idea that if only knowing what we know now, we can go back and do what we should have, could have but did not do. It begins with a Ning'er who is already a fully realised character that is not yet revealed; a charming beauty who had the world at her feet and lived a wicked and self-indulgent life. Even though Ning'er's goals change, her innate nature stays the same. The past is told in flashbacks just before the moment plays out again in the present. This works in terms of the more detailed plot points but dilutes the character and relationship stories. Thus while Bai Lu pulls off her role well overall, the piecemeal telling of the backstory doesn't capture the depth of Ning'er's regret or the layers in her relationships with some of the main characters. Where the storytelling falls short is in Zhang Zhe's arc.... He was the best of men, a morally upright official who betrayed his principles for her. And she was a selfish person who was so moved she became selfless for him > The only one she doesn't need to redeem for the past is the one she will truly love unconditonally ..... Zhang Linghe delivers an intense portrayal of this dark and complex role. Although he overdoes some of the snarls and sneers, his performance overall deserves praise and is his strongest to date. Every time the full fury of Xie Wei's fiery death glare flashes across the screen ... Their romance arc only takes off later on but it is worth the wait. A mutual understanding develops gradually between them before things get really hot and steamy ; although some felt like abuse. When it does, their audacious chemistry explodes in a way that sets a new bar for passionate kiss scenes going forward...[spoiler] After Zhang Zhe's breakup Ning'er lost her will to fight fate but she understood how wrongly she misunderstood Wei's intent ; even in past life he sent sword not to ask to suicide but to protect while she slept around with everyone else [/spoiler] . All is well with a happy ending [spoiler] Love the kids but wish they included the marriage extra episode in iQyi [/spoiler] The whole support cast is excellent too....Princess Le Yang , You Fang Jin the besties showed some good sismance ... The entire Xue family standsup your hair ; phenomenal creepy performance and got their deserving ending ... > To sum it up: great pacing, interesting and likable characters, solid chemistry, thrilling schemes, problematic gege throwing hands at both his enemies and his lady (which in this drama was perfection, don’t call me out). On the other hand, I was not crazy about how all the romances developed and in some areas, the acting could have been better. Still, top level of solid entertainment. I binge watched about 34 episodes without sleep and then some more...