This was one long boring Historical CDrama. GF and I kept trying to slog through it, finally throwing the towel in the thirtyish episode. Initially it was sort of decent, the FL is a strong character who is tough and has exceptional martial arts skills. She is hell bent on revenge for what was done to her and her family.

The memorable part of the FL's initial interaction with the ML is the competion with the ML in the Cuju match scene. I really enjoyed the Cuju match which is an ancient sports game going back to the Han Dynasty popular in the military and royalty. I felt it was executed beautifully although I cannot attest to the historical accuracy of the game play.

However, the story line and plotting became a big drag of revenge and messy plotting of political intrigue. Too many filler side stories and dragging things out un-necessarily. No chemistry between the leads, it felt like they would be better as siblings than lovers. The SML character who falls in love with the FL is annoying, not talking about the actor himself but the role. I don't know if the SML role was used as a contrast to the ML as a way to prop up the ML to the viewers; he was weak willed and undecisive. The princess SFL was also weak and fragile. It got annoying when she kept crying all the time, she does mature more later on as she goes through some hardships. The guard dude SML with the princess SFL chemistry was better and the love story between them was more engaging than the leads. You end up rooting more for them than anyone else.

Since its a big budget show, I need not say more on the production quality of the series. The acting was okay, the ML is on the stiff and wooden end of things. The FL and princess SFL did a pretty good job in their roles despite a messy drawn out storyline.

If one has insomnia and wants something to help them fall asleep, this might be the show for it.