If you watch barely any Chinese dramas but want to try one, then don't wait for more. This drama would always remain at the top of your list & it is not an exaggeration. It is one of those dramas that you always plan to watch but push it back (due to the length) & when you finally sit down to watch, you are left spell bound.

It has all the elements that a viewer wishes to see : An intricately woven story, well written dialogues, spot on acting, beautiful cinematography, lovely landscapes, great themes like loyalty, justice & selfless love.

The drama pulls you effortlessly into itself. All the characters seem real, have their own motivations, values and back stories which are wonderfully executed. I was emotionally invested into more than one character & found myself celebrating, crying for a fictional character after a long time.

There is romance, bromance, mother & child love, friendship, sibling rivalry, political rivalry, the tension in a father & son relationship, and many other aspects of human relationships which are portrayed by the actors with a rich palette of emotions.

The drama has a good pace and flow without any fillers & the ending is near perfect with even the smallest of the nuances tied up brilliantly. Each scene, setting and character costume is breath takingly good.

The chess game between the two sides is interesting to watch & is unfolded layer by layer almost like a blossoming flower. This master piece cannot be justified with mere words. It can only be experienced.

This drama is definitely worth all the hype.