i think, as an overall piece, this show is great. more than anything introduced in the plot, this show is about how the tang dynasty both flourished and came to a decline. you can see then juxtaposition of these things weaved into every part of the show and i think that’s what it’s about. you see how much technology has improved in this era, how powerful the economy was, and how diverse the population of chang’an was, as well as the severe corruption within the government and the shortcomings too of the emperor. it almost feels like the an lushan rebellon was inevitable, when viewed through the lens of this drama. the production is impeccable, and the way it tries to encapsulate history so accurately is honestly amazing.

story wise? its got good logic and suspense… up until it doesn’t. the big reveal towards the end was ridiculous and shoddy. sometimes good people on screen show up and just straight up die just to show you how evil humans are. this kind of thing happens all the time in this show, and its kind of annoying. a sliver of goodness appears only to be quashed out. like ok, we get it, you think humans are evil deep down etc… prepare your heart for that if you’re a bit weak, cuz that was the weakest part of the whole show for me! its a bit tough to do for a show that prides itself on so much logic but halfway through, you gotta just turn your brain off and take in the sight over everything else. women in this show are not great either, except maybe tan qi, who had one of the best story arcs i ever got to see in any drama with any leading woman. anyway, yep, its an amazing production with a weird story, but an incredible love of history that definitely adds more to its rewatch value.