Get past the first 5 episodes and you’ll be in for a ride. It starts off slow at first (like all C-dramas) but turns into an action-packed, suspenseful show.

It’s hard to categorise this into a single genre. Military strategy? Check. Gang fights? Check. Mystery? Check. Romance? Half check.

Every character has a back story (which is how a 24-hour show can turn into 48 episodes). Sometimes the flashbacks can get a bit tiresome but they provide important details for the mysteries to unravel later on. Each character is unique and humanely human. You have the loyal soldier, the neglected prince, the ambitious prince, the ambitious scholar, the coward... etc.

I really appreciate the quality of this production. You can see almost nothing is done using green screen. All the stunts are proper. The main lead, Lei Jia Yin - watching him is like watching a Chinese James Bond. Very macho and heroic.

Definitely deserved all its award nominations.