This drama has a very promising start. Initially I thought it was going to be light and fun, a romcom that would be more of a slice of life. I was wrong, and it was a very pleasant surprise .

The first few episodes I’ve seen are gripping and the story is setting itself up nicely to be a revenge story focusing on Dylan Wang’s character. I’m interested in seeing to how he became to head Eunuch and I really like his attitude. He clearly isn’t swayed and intimidated by anyone, even with all the gaslighting within the palace he knows that others all have their weaknesses. He’s a cold man, but he isn’t mean- he’s off putting and scary but I believe he is just heavily misunderstood and a victim of circumstance. If this drama delivers with his backstory he could become an even better character and round himself- he has a lot of room for character development. Lots of potential with both the main characters here.

Bu Yin is also a good character. There isn’t too much I can say with it just being the few episodes I’ve watched. So far she claims herself to be dumb and not anyone to be obsessed over, so I like her self awareness. She really isn’t too stupid- it’s just the nice banter she has with Xiao Duo. She is refreshingly honest with herself and her feelings to Xiao Duo. Their chemistry is able to thrive with the playful nature of her character compared to Xuo Duo. He isn't too stoic, and he softens up but in an adorable and non cliche way.

So far he is pretty much using her for his benefit, as it seems he climbed his way up to his position. Their story should unfold nicely; and hopefully it won’t be filled with tropes. Maybe it will be a hate to love, but Bu Yin is only intimidated by Xiao Duo. I can’t see him hating her as he doesn’t have a need to, he is resourceful and doesn’t waste time.

The complaint I have is that I don’t think Dylan Wang is dubbing over his voice. That’s not his fault thought, I wish he could’ve.

What makes this drama better than others to me is the tone. It is a lot darker as I said before. The first episode shows how gruesome and brutal this show is willing to go. That goes to the world building of the king firing and all his consorts being sent to death with him. Honestly I thought Bu Yin could die, even though I knew she wouldn’t, I almost could see her firing in that situation. It was really keeping me on the edge of my seat. With that being only the first episode I can see a lot of trauma happening later also; and I can see our characters learning from each one. I’m genuinely intrigued by this drama because of the potential it has.

I love the tone of the show, it’s not too dark but it isn’t afraid to be. The humor comes and goes but for the most part this drama is surpassingly funny without that humor overstaying its welcome. It makes you wonder with all the fluffy moments if it will get really intense soon, which is good compared to thinking this drama is too fluffy to go deep into the plot. The sets are beautiful and the lighting is so good. It doesn’t look cheap and I can see this as an actual setting without telling myself it’s a drama. Dylan Wang comes in and is very handsome, but he isn’t just a cold and handsome face here. He is very intimidating and has a lot to work with here and he is giving what the script offers and makes acts so well. The same goes to his costar and the other supporting cast. This show is just well done and hopefully it fastens any loose ends to become truly one of a kind.

Beneath the surface of this drama I find it VERY dark. The transition of the second lead, Fu Wang, threw me off. In a good way. He is given some sort of reverse character ark, to become a twisted and possessive person. I find it to be one of the most interesting parts of this drama. To see this man changed by the position he is in, but it was always him. It just makes sense.

So I love the relationship between the leads. Still it isn't all romantic, it's scary that they pretty much are faced with dying for each other.