This drama reminds me of Meng Fei Comes Across but not as crazy. It’s a hilariously fast paced domestic drama in costumed period setting. There’s a lot of positive vibes emitting from the screen. Almost all the characters are eye candies and every one played their roles well. The name of the world where the story is set 九川Nine Chuan (Chuan means river) is a play on the ancient name for ancient China, which is 九洲 Nine Zhou (Zhou means land between rivers)
Ooh that means I'd love this because I absolutely loved watching Meng Fei Comes Across. It was such a funny light drama for me. Thanks for the comparison
Completely! It was my first thought when watching it, and I was so happy to see the emo doctor from Mengfei is the narcissist third brother LOL. I must say, the acting is even better directed in here, every sequence is always so well carried and setled, it is just great.
I'm so glad you tried this series. I have been adoring it. It is such a sweet story that I find myself hunting for the next episode every day. The lead couple are so adorable together as they try to work their way through the relationship. The other princes and their bevy of wives are interesting, and there is no 'irrational' behaviour by any of them. Here's hoping they don't drop the ball in later episodes.
This is one of my favorite show right now. Things I love about this drama are: - the friendship of the concubines because they shared similar journey. In other drama, we rarely see this because they are always portrayed as rivals. - Bai Jing Ting's character has his career development, not only about personal ego to get the throne. From his character, we can see the effort where he took action in doing government work such as solving flood problem, and many other things. I really enjoy this part because in other domestic drama, we only see how the princes who fight for personal reason or ego to get the throne without really think much about their citizen. I just feel that this topic is quite underrated but this drama try to show it.
This is one of those dramas that we we can't hate the side couples. And agree with the character development. Actually, all of them had great character development.
I started to watch this drama yesterday and instantly loved it, it cracks me up so hard. And even though I never hear any of their own voices I instantly knew that it's theirs and not a dubbing, the cadence and tenor felt so real with all the BG sounds. Truly a good drama, let's hope it stays that way all the way through.
Loved this drama, one of my all time favourites. Actually watched every episode without pressing the fast forward button. It was so much fun, made me laugh and also cry, the cast did a great job. 🥰
This was easily my favorite series of the many I've watched in recent years -- besides your comments, I'd note the subtitles are generally very good, although I'm glad my wife also enjoyed watching so she could explain the word play (she's Chinese, I'm not,,,) And the food! Glorious! Loved the real voices of the actresses bantering about everything, I don't need deep meaning and sublime thought, just a pleasant way to pass time, and this is most certainly what this series has given me!
You know I forgot they were wearing wigs. Holy cow! Especially the main leads hair. I've spent so much time fawning over how pretty he looks with the hair I would've noticed. He looks so different from how he did in Reset, or even You are my hero. I'm also really glad the women are so friendly with eachother, even the crown prince's wife has multidimensional emotions.
Glad you review positively on it. It'd been a long time i laugh so hard at a CDrama, it's a perfect light hearted comedy romantic drama that i need in the end of day, after all the stress at work lol I love the female characters in this drama, everyone is so unique and full of charms. Like you said it's refreshing to have these women joining hands rather than plotting fighting each other for the favors of some men. Their friendship is really one of highlights for me. Hopefully none of them will turn the other side later.
As usual, you nailed it. The ' normal' relationship between women is golden. Women are not only haters, as in other harem dramas. Only men think, that it is a must, that they fight each other for them. Very macho. The truth is, that often women do not give a sh*t about men. This is why this drama is special. The feminin bond has been underestimated until now. Congrats!
You are totally on point, as usual. I would add that the scriptwriters probably not only had a lot of fun while changing the original into this "sisters are doin' it for themselves" comedy but also inventing an interesting fictional setting for it. A "confederal empire" ruled by the king of the central "state" is based on a (simplified) rules of international relations (balance of power, centre-periphery interactions, economic, cultural etc. different identities and their mutual influences) which largely affect internal political strifes in reality. With such a background setting, the emperor's harsh decisions on leads, his shiftings in search of solutions and balance inside his family, the general injustice of forced marriages etc. appear logical as well as the cooperation, resistence and mutual support among "sisters". At the end, you will give 2 golds 😄
After I saw until eps 30th, I think I like all about this Cdrama. The storylines, the acting, the production, etc...even for the make up. Everything is really nice, light & enjoyable. Though maybe like you said it's not something superb, yet I like to re-watch...esp when it comes to funny scenes.
I have watched 16 episodes and it is my happy drama at the moment. It does its job very well. I'd love to see more romance but maybe it will happen later, in the second half when she managed to become the official wife
I started this drama with no expectations and was awed at the great direction that brings out the best of each actor in it. I decided I'll watch it slowly, because every episode is so enjoyable, I don't want it to end quick like it happens when I binge-watch dramas just because I get sucked into the story.
For me, this is the best drama of this year followed by Love between fairy and devil. It is a very light-hearted drama with beautiful friendships between the girls and a brotherhood between the princes. I wish the episodes are more than 40 because for me the longer the drama the more things you can elaborate. As for the political part, I want them to elaborate more on how Prince Zheng rises from an unknown prince to a successful one and focus more on his struggles. The comedy in this drama is very natural and not a forced one.
One of the best shows of the year along SSS.A little bit for everyone : great plot , awesome actors, insane chemistry of the main leads, scenery , costumes , perfection!Last but not least , a beautiful friendship between the women which support each other instead of trying to ruin each other , the common rule in this court plots.IMHO this drama is 10 +.
I enjoyed watching this drama a lot. It is not perfect, but still, such a breath of fresh air. I love most of the characters here, especially Prince An's wife and his solar girls something they are so funny >
Yes love the sisterhood bonds in this drama! Other draws for me are the food obsession theme and amazing food scenes. I love how the political interpersonal scheming of the female lead is centered around access to yummy food and not to climb the harem ladder Also enjoy them highlighting regional food and culture I like guessing based on limited knowledge the real life counterpart provinces- I imagine they’re pretty obvious to Chinese ppl 😊
Everything about this drama is perfect , it started out so well and I was scared that it will go downhill after a while cause I’ve experienced that with many dramas, but fortunately it started out well and ended beautifully ❤❤
I found this drama from a TikTok clip and I’m so glad this is my first Historical Drama 🥰 I never gave them a try before this one because I thought it would just be boring but I was so wrong (I thought of them as more about wars and conquering but forgot it could just be a setting too 😅) I’m only halfway through it but now that I’ve started it I feel like this drama pampered me or raised my standards too high (I’ve seen reviews from other viewers saying the sisterhood between a lot of the characters in New Life Begins was refreshing compared to others they watched so now I’m a little worried for others because I like it 🥲)
I'm so glad you reviewed this series. I was originally going to skip it. I was already rethinking that decision, because earlier today I watched a clip from it that had me laughing so hard I could barely breathe 🤣. Now that I've seen your video I'll definitely check it out. Thank you 🙂
I am absolutely loving this drama! It often makes me laugh out loud. I loved the anti-weight-loss stuff in Episode 11. And regarding typical harem dramas, I think the writers have been really clever in having the character of Hao Jia and her relationship with the Second Prince, because it acts as a foil to everything else in the drama. Second Prince acts like a typical scheming prince, and his wife acts like a typical main wife who abuses the new concubine. Hao Jia wanted to become his concubine because she thought that was her way to success, but she is learning that playing the game the traditional, conventional way was always going to be a losing situation, because it's within a system that is sets women up to fail and suffer. Like Second Prince tells her, when he's right, he's right, and even when he's wrong, he's still right. There's nothing Hao Jia can do in that situation. And that's just one of many really thoughtful feminist messages in this drama.
Love this drama. Just watched it this year. I know I'm a little late since tbh, I'm not a big fan of costume dramas. But this one is so beautiful. I love all the side stories. I don't mind if some eps highlighted the other couples. It's 40 eps but I was able to complete it on 3 days. Normally, I would be bored and dropped it. But I like this one. Same goes with Love Like the Galaxy or The Imperial Coroner. This is a must watch for me.
I really enjoyed this drama. Its a feel good drama . The casting is spot on and the story is really interesting even though there is no big dramatic moment. Just normal domestic family issues in period setting. No black and white. No good vs evil. Love it as it just great fun
This drama is a fresh breath of air for me after some heavy and tragic dramas back to back, like other I love the sisterhood bonds between the female characters. It's a warm and cute drama with eye candies
I'm addicted to this drama.. now on ep 16.. love it, as it's lighthearted no stupid plotting among the ladies. no desperate ladies.. love the sisterhood in this drama
Like you said it's not the most outstanding drama out there but I'm really enjoying the sisterhood, brotherhood and friendship they have shown here.. and leads are really cute and adorable together and I also love their relationship with their maids , the cook ..really funny and enjoyable
Bro I adore this series❤such a cute piece of drama specially taking about the relations between the caracters sisterhood brotherhood and specially no backstabbing or unwanted love triangle😍
I'm watching this drama now and I love it! Story line is light, sweet and funny. The actors are good as well. I agree the visual is quite nice. Glad that they use their own voice! ❤
Ah, I've been enjoying this drama so much! Such a great mix of humour, angst, and bits that I have to watch through my fingers because of second-hand embarrassment *lol* I'm also loving the design of everything, especially the outfits (which I always love!) I'm also very amused that I recognised Bai Jingting from TROP, which I watched about four years ago. Also, the link to Dramaland discord doesn't work, or maybe its just me?
Again I absolutely agree with your assessment. I have gotten a little impatient waiting on new episodes so I watched some clips. I will stay with this one... Thanks 😊
Love the sweet sisterhood among the sister-in-laws, as opposed to the scheming and cunning concubines. I agree with your assessment, as opposed to what seems to be portrayed (ex. Suleiman or Tuyo).
thank you for your excellent work…I am amazed to see someone so professional…usually harem history was not as competitive as it is shown in dramas…according to the Dynasties…cheers for you
I was waiting for your review!!! usually i don't like this domestic period drama because my feminist side starts screaming at the screen and i am afraid i will brake it 😀 but this one is a lot of fun! 😂 i like that women are the main characters and the men are just men, not some heroes who are "saving the day". I like very much the debut song but unfortunately I don't know what song it is .
this is one of the OST's for this series. If you click on the creator they have the other two OST's translated too. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-dGtrsIPhXMs.html
This is a good drama thank you for recommending it. I had to rewatch a couple videos to find it but we'll worth it. Currently on episode 8 and having a good time.
i finished this recently. i actually really liked it and all the women overcoming various things and supporting each other. I think there was lots of character growth and somehow like slice of life in ancient times and the royal family.
Funny how whenever I watch a Chinese drama, I'm always thinking about how avenue x would react to it. Somehow, after watching a lot of reviews, I got a feel of what usually appeals to you. Haha I agree with all your observations at this point. #2 has become a crucial aspect for me to appreciate a drama
I agree with all the comments made by AvenueX. This drama is great to watch after I accidentally -- not a fan of tragic or sad endings -- watched One and Only. Just lift me up again, please! I do find that some of the actors are playing the comedy too exaggeratedly for my taste (the "little sister" of the male lead who lives with them does too much mugging and exaggerated screaming for my taste). And, I have to confess, I DO love dubbing voices because they sound so smooth and beautiful. I wish actors received better training and/or worked harder at developing their natural voices for their craft in these modern times. Nevertheless, for all the positive reasons stated in the video above, I'll continue watching to just refresh and lighten my soul after One and Only. (Forever and Ever didn't quite do the trick)
It's a very tender tv series. I love it. I also really relate to the disparaging thoughts the women have about their Husband/Master's pronouncements. Love the "eye rolls". And the young lady who has known our Male Lead as a child is absolutely hilarious. Trying so hard to be vicious and spiteful, and puts flowers all over the dog...lol.
this is a wholesome drama, I really enjoy it everyday! I love their friendship, their characters, and everything else. if you search for lighthearted drama, go watch it!
New Life Begins and Lighter & Princess is my currently watch drama right now. This two balance my daily emotions right now. Hahahahaha. Totally opposite with each other but both really good drama can't wait for the upcoming dramas.
Started this yesterday and it's so cute! My heart warms for the girls, they're all so different, but they care about their friendships and stand up for one another! This drama is just nice and relaxing, I'm really glad that I gave this a chance.
Honestly if I want to look beyond the cp, neither the female nor male lead’s characters are that well written in my opinion. I actually find Hao Jia to be much more interesting.
I decided to add my comment here after i'm done watching 28 episode of this drama. Even if i know that this is unimportant, i just want to share my experience watching this drama. I watch this video last friday, and decided to watch it at night... ngl, my expectation was so low even if you gave a rather high rating on this one. tmi, but before this, i watched who rules the world and love between fairy and devil. In who rules the world, i like the overall story except the ending. I was so disappointed that i wasted my time watching that drama. love between fairy and devil, i just watched it till ep 12 i think. I really couldn't invested with their love story and the FL voice really annoyed me. After the two drama failure to attract me, you should've understood how low my expectation about this one. Apparently, I was wrong. I never laugh that much watching chinese period drama. Istg, i was tired laughing the whole first episode. I really enjoy it. The unusual trope, i really appreciated it. even if recent episode not as fun as the first couple episode, but it's still acceptable i think. watching too many period drama made me anxious. I thought that Hao Jia would turn in to an evil woman, obey all the 2nd prince words, and using her relationship with our FL to ruin the 6th prince, or trap them in a plan, but that's not the case. Even if she must face a hard punishment, she still protect her friendship with all her friends, even her relationship with the 2nd prince wife was not that bad anymore. That's why i really adore all the woman in this show. Especially the relationship between the Li Wei and Yuan Ying. The scene when Li Wei and Yin Zheng departed to another region, the way Yuan Ying and Li wei saying goodbye is soooo sweet. Both of them are so precious. In conclusion, if any of you who watch this video and still not convinced in watching the drama, i think you should really give it a try. if you like slice of life, comedy, fluffy kind of drama, this one is really for you. and lastly, i want to say thank you that this video introduce me to the drama .
Hello AvenueX, I cannot wait for you to make a review on Black Myth Wukong video game. I loved how you explained it the first time I watched your video, and talking about its Chinese culture and the comparisons from Journey to the west. Have a good day!
This sounds fun! Only I think you mean Snow Sword Stride with the washed-out colours rather than Joy of Life? SSS definitely looked a bit green around the gills 😂 still love it though 😉💚
I love the cinemetography of the scenes they put together for the opening song scenes. Also aren't they kind of setting up a he will give up the throne for her scenario? I feel like that's the route they're going to take anyway haha.
Hahahaha.... On cdramaland, u will get spoiler from opening and ending ost. I think like that too, maybe he will give up the throne, but the crown prince i think isn't really capable as the next leader of 9 countries and it's not easy if he change from bad to "good" person, maybe will be plot twist... Or should i watch the novel? 🤭 I'm just curious bcoz one of the scene on spoiler opening when Li Wei wedding ceremony, it looks like their wedding on the palace?? 🤔
I am enjoying every moment of this drama so far. Its so light hearted and relaxed compared to other dramas that I had watched previously, where every person from lowly servant to high ranked lord or lady are toxic. All the regular things of period drama ( viz. lord with many wives, sibling rivalry, hierarchy of legitimate and illegitimate sons and daughters etc.) are also present here but issues are dealt differently and thats what I am liking in this drama. I have watched 16 episodes and not yet bored or irritated. Initially I was annoyed by Songwu's character but later, it is kind of enjoyable. Also the 3rd prince's household. Even though it is added as comic relief but where the whole drama is so light, the 3rd house becomes even more enjoyable. BJT seems very much relaxed in his role. 40% of the drama aired. Moving towards the 3rd quarter where dramas usually starts to lag. Hope that would not be the case with this one.
Whenever I think of harem dramas, I automatically think of Raise the Red Lantern and I can reason that it makes sense for women to constantly fight each other and scheme for favor. While it is a forced relationship and that should theoretically bond the women, the lives and comfort of women literally depend on whether they hold their husband's favor. If they don't, they are treated like trash. When it comes to survival and being powerless, it makes sense that women would attack each other.
I was a little hesitant to watch this drama because i have enough those throat to throat girls. Now after i watched your reviews i decided to watch it. Thank you so much
I have just been enjoying this drama so much and i have to agree with every point you stated. it is just fun. no serious thought and none of the hateful woman stuff and even song Wu, who was sort of that person, ends up not being. so its just good.
I am frustrated as it stopped full episodes with English subtitles at Episode 19 and now only clips...where can I get the rest....and not that horrible app with all the advertising
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