Not sure if this actually comes from the novel, or the talented writer that adapts it, (probably both), but there's something almost fascinating about this scenario. It's the kind that looks like layers : when the first layer is removed, another one, a slighly thinner one is discovered both by the viewers and the characters (not necessarily at the same moment). To me, a part of this chinese drama success lies there :
With a very good sense of pace, just a slight amount of mystery is adding up when another amount is answered, steering up the viewers attention towards the story. And of course, it helps when actors are at their best.
There's no fancy attitude there, no useless gesticulation. Maybe a bit of clichés here and there (the main male lead way too strong, without flaws ...). But then, since there's also something elegant and carefully thought about the characters actions and reactions, finely described by the actors, the drama almost never feels unrealistic or inadequate.
Almost. The only flaw I could find a bit annoying is that since some clichés remains (the smart weak girl, the flawless leader...), when the characters meet an actual problem in the scenario, it almost look like the protagonists are "forced" into making mistakes just in order to tell the story of their struggles and the answers they will find to help themselves. And that's the annoying bit : When you create a character that flawless, viewers won't understand its true nature if he suddenly falls on his face on a flat ground (rest assured, it's a random example here, this specific fall doesn't actually happen in the drama ^^).
Still, in its whole, this is a very good drama, one that can answer a lot of different expectations for very different viewers :
While maybe not the best of his kind, with of bit of romance, action, and mystery, this drama slowly grows and lightly remains in your mind, as the enjoyable moment it provides.