This series by mutual agreement is proving to be the most captivating of all we are currently watching. And there are at least 5 serious contenders at the moment. So if period/costume series are your genre......do not miss it. I promise you will adore it.

It is primarily about one woman named Jiang Xuening (played by Bai Lu) who had an overwhelming and insatiable lust for power. Her obsession became her downfall as it ended up destroying her and all of those who had trusted her. She was so focused on her quest to become the next Empress, that she scarcely noticed the trail of destruction behind her. 
She had but one goal…and whatever it cost, that she was willing to do. But once she had achieved the position she had sought...there was little joy. 
Her ruthlessness had gained her few allies and multiple enemies. 

But of those who had once cared for her...there was one man, a very disillusioned man named Zhang Zhe
(played by Wang Xingyue) who because of her ...now awaited his death in prison.
Still she carried on...until the palace, roiled by unrest, became her prison too.
With the loss of her freedom, she realizes she has only one card left to play. So she strikes a deal with Xie Wei (Zhang Ling) to save Zhang Zhe from prison. If he will agree..she will offer her own life as collateral. When he agrees... she took her life. 

But by a strange twist of events…she awakens later in her family home… only as her much younger self. 
After the shock wears off, she realizes she has been given a second chance at life. This time she purposes she WILL make all the right choices. 

So with the benefit of her past as her guide…she attempts to change her future and her fate. This is her story of redemption. 



It is played by a stellar cast:
*Bai Lu as Jiang Xuening is utterly captivating...acting dual parts flawlessly. 

A role this complicated and the focus of so many scenes required a especially skillful actress, and wow, is she ever the one!

*Zhang Ling as Xie Wei is a very complex character....shaded by both light and shadow. 

We loved him in My Journey to You, but this more challenging role highlights the range of his talent. 

He is leaving it all on the table in this one, after this..he said he hopes to do a modern series as this one took a toll on him and I believe it. 
He is so sinister at times…that the nape of my neck tingles, yet he can wordlessly look at her with such care..that my toes curl. 
He conveys an element of mystery (never giving the game away) and a masterful presence that suits the dangerous setting of the court. 
The scriptwriter deserves props for giving him such a wonderful role but... in my view ...he is outperforming expectations.
 By far, he is the most fascinating male lead in any series that I have seen in a while. 

I simply cannot wait for the fireworks between them...one hug was mesmerizing. He understands her, because he is her match.

*Wang Xingyue as Zhang Zhe is also riveting. I don’t typically fall for the SL and I did not expect that anyone could compete with Zhang Ling in this one. Yet somehow….Wang Xingue manages to do just that. His face is fascinating. And because the chemistry between him and Bai Lu simmers every time they meet that also seems tantalizing. Lol.
But although he is an upright and honorable man, it doesn't appear that he is right for her. Even if he loved her..it is doubtful he could understand her. 
They are vastly different in every conceivable way.

Both men are beautifully defined with strengths and weaknesses, but neither are perfect.
They are complicated and mysterious men which makes them oh.... so.... fascinating to watch! Lol.

So here is your setting for the story…and as always I will be back with an update.


Enjoy..this one is gonna be one to rave about!

@Final: This series was epic to the end. The wrap up was perfect, I couldn't fault one thing. I even loved the brief modern scene with the writer where she opens the door and there he is. Perfect tiny tidbit. Likewise...I loved the special episode they included at the end and the behind the scenes were fun as well.
It is clear that this entire cast enjoyed each other and that bonding on set..contributed to the success of this project. Congratulations to everyone involved in this beautiful drama, thank you for all the thrills, the laughter and the tears..it was a wonderful experience. I am happy to recommend this series to you. It will immediately go in my fave rewatch list.

Happy Watching!