If you want to create uncensored costume BL drama, how to outwit Chinese censorship? Make the drama a collab project, produce it by a Thai company and distribute to international platforms. Bingo! When I've first heard about it in spring, while the drama was in production, my reaction was: "Looks intriguing. I wonder what they can come up with. I'll give it a try when it airs". So what's the result of the experiment?
First thing that impressed me was how the start of the story is built on contrasts. Jin Xiaobao is young master from a rich and loving family: spoiled, flirty and frivolous, however kind, caring and sympathetic. Zongzheng Huaien, cold as ice and aloof, was raised by cruel father; he's never seen kindness from anyone and views romantic love as a bad thing. This is how their story begins.
Secondly, I was glad to see that the drama had significant background. It's not just a romcom which started with a crossdressing. Actions of people obssessed with power, revenge and past grievances collide with MLs' family backgrounds and put their budding relationship to the test. The second half of the plot is very intense. Characters' development is beyond doubt: Xiaobao eventually turns out to be much stronger than seemed in the beginning, Huaien with his possessive personality finally realizes that true love can't be forced. The final episode is so peaceful and heartwarming, the best ending possible.
Does the drama have drawbacks? Yes. Minor problems with costumes, accessories and wigs are not that important, I barely noticed them. Acting, production and martial arts could have been better, but considering the low budget and the whole project being the experiment, the team did a decent job. The only thing that really worried me is the consent issue in the first half of the story. I know the drama follows the novel which I haven't read, but I don't want such an issue to become a trend for future dramas. If this project paves the way to more Chinese uncensored costume dramas of better quality and about healthy relationships, excellent. I'll wait for them.