This has been out for years now. But I just happened to finish watching. It's a good drama that I enjoy. No wonder why scores are quite high on it.

Plot
I love how much male lead is smart and planned everything, so his friend can be crowd king for the good of people, as well as to get those bad people who wronged him before. The development of his friend character from straight rightuous into adjusting it for the good.
The drama focuses a lot on game of politics yet characters'bonds and emotional sentimental feelings are also there, which is why its a delight. And yes theres enough fighting and wuxia(martial arts) scenes to enjoy. Romance is not main focus at all but its still included. A mature romance!
The only thing is that, it ended with ML having to be hero till end. It annoys me as I actually wanted him to live in peace after all. For that reason I deducted 1 score. But then I still don't call it bad ending.

Pacing and Cinematography
The pacing is perfect for me. Lol for some reason I got into the drama with ease, I like the way the characters are introduced, it doesnt give me much confusion as some other of this genre type drama did.
Cinematography is natural or it gives natural feelings. It relaxed my eyes. I love how its so different from CGI usage these days. But the drama is S+ production of the time for sure.

All in all, I give it 9/10. A Grade.