Out of all JJY's dramas, this one has the weakest storyline. This is not a story of revenge, as the original drama intended, but a story of letting jealousy rule the day, and the 3 side (behaving as main) characters not taking accountability for their own actions and their part in their own fate- always blaming others. It started off quite promising (strong and independent FL, good chemistry between leads, funny and light-hearted moments, good action sequences, problem solving in a maze setting, intrigue, political power games, family power games) and the build-up was quite good up to episode 12. Then it just came crashing down and went downhill with the FL and ML being supporting characters for the rest of the drama. In fact, the synopsis of helping the new Emperor only happened in 3 out of the 40 episodes depicted ie episodes 35, 39 and 40. The rest was monopolised by a role model for all green-tea women out there, and her two scheming partners. For all 3, as you guessed it, their actions were driven by the green-eyed monster. I dont know why they didnt just label the green-tea woman Gao Miao Rong as the MC, as she clearly was written as such in this adaptation. Her story had the full arc- background, beginning, middle, and ending, which in fact no other characters in this drama was given. There is something quite wrong when the screenwriters chose to focus on a supporting character as their leading storyline. I got bored and couldnt care less about the events as they unfolded. The only reason why I kept watching to the end was to catch the little interactions between JJY and Joseph ZSX. Their chemistry was natural and believable. Hope they have future collaborations together. I also liked Baoning's grandmother. These 3, the good action sequences, and the political game/problem solving were the saving grace of the drama for me. Also, JJY has improved greatly in her acting performance in a costume drama. I stopped noticing it's JJY and just saw her character Baoning from episode 4 onwards, so that is saying something. It's a shame it's wasted on such a lackluster storyline. Badly done screenwriters, director and production team!!! Shame on you!!!