Characters are constantly evolving and circumstances that befall them are shown to have an organic impact on their worldviews. Both characters are written with clear flaws and shows convincing growth throughout the drama. The drama allows the two main leads to develop from enemies to friends to lovers, instead of prematurely planting in 'romantic' scenes right after they were forced together by a series of coincidences. The narrative is not afraid to truly challenge the characters, and it is rewarding to see them persevere even as the odds are stacked against them.

Side characters such as the Emperor and the main character's servant are also written to be realistic human beings instead of caricatures, and the narrative ensures that no character is left with just the bare minimum.

On the diversity front, the drama does well in showing a variety of female characters who excels in various traditionally masculine roles.

Plot is pretty enjoyable. Not sure whether it's really realistic on the historical front, but in my opinion there's no significant plot holes that destroys the viewing experience. Interpersonal conflicts are motivated by real differences in perspectives or unfortunate circumstances forcing people's hand, instead of people being idiots. The main villain is nothing too special but he's executed rather well.

I feel like the drama kind of stalls near the end. The main leads developed the habit of long conversations into the night, which gets boring quick but unfortunately contains vital information. Some of the development becomes...contrived. But it's not too bad, and by this time everything that's good about the drama has more than convinced me to watch to the end.