WoW. What a show. I almost wanted to take my time in watching the episodes to savour this masterpiece of a drama for as long as possible. 

Where do I begin? First of all, the plot was so well written. Every episode was interesting and flowed together so well. From start to finish it kept its pace and momentum throughout the entire show. I gave this same compliment to 'Pinocchio' (2014) which was also a 10. It was so refreshing how it didn't lose its quality (like many other dramas have a habit of doing).

Next, the acting. Everybody brought their A game to this drama, everybody plays their characters so well and brought them to life seamlessly. 

The costumes, set and the soundtrack are also A+

They also touch on themes you don’t normally see in dramas, especially historical ones. We get to see what it was like (well, a dramatized version, of course) for not only historians, but female historians too. There's also other aspects, from the banning of books, vaccinations, protests against the king, and even the introduction of Catholicism in Joseon. Amazing

And never before have I seen a male lead love someone as sincerely and passionately as Prince Dowon/Yi Rim loves Goo Hae-ryung. He loved her from the moment he saw her and I'm not even kidding when I say she occupies his thoughts every minute of every day. [To be fair, he is cooped up in a private garden/inn area inside the palace with nothing to do for 20 years]

He constantly supports her, would do anything for her and puts her first always. She is honestly his entire world and I love it. 

And Goo Hae-ryung loves him too and holds him so dear. What I love is that there is no bs in their story. They have communicated with each other and had such a pure and true love story that is so mature. There are no 'misunderstandings' or 'lies' or 'deceit' like so many others. Of course they must have a temporary split like every Kdrama ever written but it doesn't last long thankfully. But their relationship is just so refreshing.
I also love love love how headstrong and fierce Goo Hae-ryung is. In general and in her relationship with the prince. She is never afraid to speak her mind, or back down from her beliefs/views. She is such a queen and an icon. And so intelligent as well.

Prince Dowon/Yi Rim:“you’re pretty”
Goo Hae-ryung: “i know, i have a mirror at home”
THAT BDE I'M DEFJDKDK

I especially love how she always handles herself. Even with the prince, throughout their story she has made all the right moves. Was always honest with him, helped him make decisions, and done right by him.

I just have so many feelings with this couple. The dynamic between Yi Rim the romantic and Goo Hae-Ryung the realist is sooo cute. Their chemistry feels so natural and authentic.

But it has also got great funny moments too. 30 pages of writing ‘His highness turned another page’ iM CACKLING

Another thing I love is Goo Hae-Ryung’s friendship with her fellow female historians and how they protective they are of Hae-Ryung omg. The sisterhood was so beautiful.

This whole drama just feels so well made. It lacks nothing and has a mature feel to it. An honest joy to watch, and that’s why it's a 10.