This drama is worth the hype and high rating. Although I really don’t like harem plots this one was an exception. I admit that the first 20 episodes or so did not impress me but after a point (I forgot when) the episodes became exciting and I thoroughly enjoyed the rest. I like how Wei Lingyou’s character is smart and witty and that she is not a saint, she can punish and fight back when needed. The chemistry between the main leads was good even though the romantic scenes were limited and mostly implied this should not deter one from watching. Just the anticipation of when Wei Lingyou would show her love to the Emperor and how the Emperor would show his devotion to WL is enough as romance. Most of the cast did a wonderful job acting although some bits of overacting didn’t affect the drama as a whole. Cinematography was excellent. Locations, sets and costumes were high quality. My only complaint about this drama is the length. Even though the span of the story is about 25 years I think they could have shortened while keeping the span. I would have given this drama a perfect 10 if it was kept at 60 episodes or less. I love the happy ending between Wei Lingyou and the Emperor that they truly loved each other and also the promise of Wei Lingyou to protect/be together with Fuheng in her next life. Overall, this is one of my all time favorite historical dramas and I highly recommend.