This drama has a very inspiring theme: What is equality/inequality? It is a satire criticizing the system for enabling the aristocrats for their wickedness and insatiable appetite for power and wealth in the expense of the poor and the weak by suppressing them in every possible way. The main male character of this story, together with the help of his beloved, fights to change the system to make it a more equitable one.

The title of this drama, Qing Qing Zi Jin, is taken from the first line of a famous love poem, appropriately as this story is using poems as its backdrop, though poems are not the main features here.

The Story
Wenren Juan (Lu Xiaoyu aka Rain Lu) is a daughter of a prominent government official studying in the prestigious Zhuxiu Academy. One day during an outing, she and her female school mates are kidnapped by a group of bandits for ransom. Wenren Juan is selfless and she sacrifices herself to save her friends. This act of selflessness impresses the leader of the bandits, Zuo Qiuchi (Fan Shiqi aka Kris Fan) who later falls in love with her. He releases her and gets himself into the prestigious academy through a special selection by the Emperor. In the academy, he finds out why he is being rejected in a state exam many years ago, and being hunted down to be killed. Together with Wenren Juan, they uncover mysteries, corruptions, malpractices, injustices, and they vow to bring justice to the system together with their school friends.

The plot is not complex. Academic lessons are taught in poems through wisdom by ancient wise men. Although some of the logic is rather simplistic and elementary, certain scenes can be quite heart wrenching and thought provoking; their dialogues and words are inspiring. Many scenes also cover refined artistry in the fine arts, dances, chess, martial arts, poems, among others. I’m particularly impressed by the polo sports competition scene with students on horsebacks riding and fighting over the control of the ball. The cinematography is breath taking and convincing.

The Characters and The Acting
Zuo Qiuchi (Fan Shiqi) is a self-taught genius. He is the leader of the bandits hiding away in the mountains. They make their living through demanding ransom payments from the wealthy and distributing to the poor and needy. He is talented in every field – academic work, painting, chess, archery, fighting etc. He becomes a legend when he passes a special exam to enter the prestigious Zhuxiu Academy with his lowly background. Fan Shiqi’s acting is very convincing as the actor looks equally believable as a bandit or as a scholar.

Wenren Juan (Lu Xiaoyu) is from an aristocratic family with a low self-esteem because she thinks she's unwanted by her father after the death of her birth mother. She is selfless and volunteers in every given opportunity. After she realizes her father’s hidden love for her, she is determined to help clear the misunderstanding between Zuo Qiuchi with her father. Lu Xiaoyu has amazing acrobatic talents. As Wenren Juan, she showcases her trained talents in the beginning episodes. All her moves are so beautiful and elegant.

Zuo Qiuchi’s and Wenren Juan’s romance starts from the first episode of the story. Throughout the drama, they are by each other’s side constantly, solving crimes and mysteries together. Their relationship is cute and at the same time, not unlike a parent/child dynamic as Zuo Qiuchi is obviously the more mature character since he’s gone through more ups and downs in life, whereas Wenren Juan is a well-sheltered girl in a wealthy family. Zuo Qiuchi is protective of her and teaches her with great patience and helps her grow.

The acting by other cast members is equally convincing in particular the Fu Yuan Zhi (Huang Xuan Wen) character. He is tormented at the same time wicked. The actor really brings out all the traits and emotions in the character, making the viewers despise and empathize with him.

I have also enjoyed watching a baby emperor who is ultra-intelligent and is not controlled by anyone as a puppet. This is very refreshing and I love the moments whenever the Emperor comes on screen. This drama also brings us a very loved and inspiring second couple, Hang Ru Xue (Xie Bin Bin) and Qing He (Yan Yi Yi). Together with our OTP, they form the most solid friendship that can be trusted with their own lives.

My Verdict
The dialogues are simplistic and idealistic. The plot is not complex. There are a few tropes and a evil sister. Despite some insignificant flaws, this is an enjoyable light series. The sword fighting choreography is amazing and usually found only in great wuxia dramas. The cinematography exceeds many of similar genre, with quite a few intelligent and inspiring scenes. It also brings out the typical parenting in Asian families – pressures the youngsters get and not being rewarded with comforting words from their parents. Most of all, it focuses on the inequality and morality of the society we still live in.

Don’t let this drama go unnoticed. This is a great watch!