BLISS RATING: ★★★★+
“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I have ended up where I intended to be.” – Douglas Adams
And what a journey this was! One of my most cherished storylines is period themes, especially ones representing the beguiling and alluring fantasy of ancient China. If I could, I would transport back to that period just to be able to experience the majesty of the time. Of course, I know it is a fantasy and I am romanticizing that epoch but is that not the point of these series? It allows us or permits us to be the characters of old?
This saga begins with a metaphysical transporting back of the Fifth Prince Yin Qi (Tang Bi De) to correct a mistake in fate between him and his intimate companion Pei Yan Zhi (Wang Jing Han) upon both their deaths together. Although they had been friends and close companions since childhood, a division existed between them which was based upon a misunderstanding. The two had grown up to not just be in love with one another but also pledged to be by the other forever. It is really that deep love, their unbreakable bond between them, that is inseparable. But as they died together, destiny decided to give their sacred bond another chance.
Perhaps the best way to regard this series is for the narrative and not for its romance. Allow me to explain. This is a story steep in mystery and intrigue, which I loved. But honestly, I found it hard to follow at times. It does get intricate and is a bit wonky for me; but engaging. Chinese series have a way of romanticizing their way of ancient living to make it look so enticing and thrilling. You can feel everything. You become a part of the environment. Whether it is because of the costumes, the milieu, the environment, the heavy-handedness of the story – it all envelopes you. And I love it.
Yin Qi and Yan Zhi are majestic. Handsomeness does not quite describe their natural attractiveness. They also possess a certain social attractiveness that others find irresistible as well. It is obvious to anyone around them that they have a unique bond between them. Almost a soulmate quality about it. Although initially the two do not begin with a physical connection, it eventually does, as the sexual tension between the two finally explodes. While dynamic, it just did not feel as acute or intense as I thought it would be, however. It felt ever so reserved. For me the acting just did not convince me that they were as profoundly in love as the story would have us believe. I do not know why; it just felt slightly superficial. Both actors did a superb job of making the characters of Yan Zhi and Yin Qi feel relatable, and certainly not regal (even though they were), and neither came across as arrogant or entitled. Perhaps for me, it was just too polished.
Of course, this saga is full of palace intrigue. The central figure in this intrigue is none other than the Crown Prince, Yin Zhou (Colin Duan). Always trying to gain favor with his father, the Emperor, he thinks of his other siblings as rivals for the throne. So, his jealousy, his insecurity, and his own general ineptness dictated his movements. Essentially eliminating his other siblings, he is now focused on Yin Qi, who proves to be a more formidable adversary and strategist. In addition, since Yin Qi has traveled back in time, he knows what the future holds.
There are remarkably entertaining and sometimes amusing interchanges between the cat-and-mouse games that everyone plays to gain the advantage. Yin Zhou has for a long time now had a trusted servant and confidante in Yin Qi’s court, feeding him information as to what the Fifth Prince is planning. Wei Zi Ming (Li You Cheng) is completely loyal to the Crown Prince. Not just from the perspective of being an obedient servant to the Crown Prince, but also because he is genuinely and deeply in love with him.
Who really S.T.O.L.E. this series? For me, the stronger and more passionate relationship was between Wei Zi Ming and Yin Zhou. Both are astonishingly sad figures and are a product of the forces with which they were born into. Both had little control of who they became and frankly what they became. While initially both might have developed a relationship simply based upon physical needs/desires, after a while, both knew what was happening. They were falling in love, but it was a love each knew could never be. One was the future emperor while the other was merely a servant. The acting of Colin Duan as Yin Zhou begins as the superficial and singular, Crown Prince. But as the layers of who he is are peeled back, we find out how little control he actually had over his life. In addition, we find out also how deeply and profoundly he loved Wei Zi Ming. Li You Cheng as Wei Zi Ming begins as an individual who one might want to dislike as he is a traitor to Yin Qi. But he too, as we begin to see him for who he really was, is a multi-layered and complex individual, trying to straddle several different worlds at the same time. Li You Cheng portrays a surprisingly strong and impassioned depiction of an individual who in the scheme of things is complicated. But honestly, without revealing its impact, the last scene between Li You Chen as Wei Zi Ming and Colin Duan as Yin Zhou is one for the books. It is not just emotionally intense; it is dramatic and one of the finest acting scenes I have seen in a BL in quite a while. I was deeply moved, honestly, and wept. Perhaps they did not deserve my tears but their portrayal of two individuals who were so deeply and profoundly in love with one another that they were willing to give up everything for the other. I was genuinely moved not only by the scene but by the outstanding performances by the two of them. Kudos to Li You Chen and Colin Duan. I shall remember the two of your performances more than the protagonists.
The production value of this series is certainly exceptional. The cinematography, costumes, music, and editing were near perfection. There are many scenes that will bring you deeply into the story with laughs, tears, joys, and sorrows. It is an entertaining and dynamic story that brings you along and introduces you to characters that you know will enhance or add significantly to the story. Nothing is meant for diversion; it is all for moving the story along.
While this story had all the elements of being an epic, it never quite got there for me. It feels like it should have been, but it just never quite reached that pinnacle. I found the ending a bit belaboring and oddly unsettling. As with their whole love story, it just never felt complete to me. Honestly, I was so much more moved by the ‘antagonists’ and their love than I was by the love connection between the protagonists.
Still, I am glad to have watched this historical drama as, for a brief moment, I felt like I had been back with emperors, princes, and servants, living in a land of chivalry.
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