This was my first experience with Chinese drama TV. I caught snippets of it on YouTube, then found the entire show. I couldn't stop watching. The show itself was done so well... the costumes, the sets, the actors, showcasing the beauty of China. But beyond the obvious phenomenal acting, it was the dedication to detail and weaving of an emotionally heart wrenching love story inside real history of the Qing Dynasty. I can't tell you how many times I stopped watching an episode to look up the history of this period of time. Read about Qianlong and Empress of the Nala clan. Read about the different women in the harem, all the royal children, the Empress Dowager. Even the painter from Italy and the leaders from the border tribes. So thrilling to watch it unfold, to learn what life in the Forbidden City was like. Watch how China fought wars, how it tried to coordinate the military and tribal officials with who was selected in the harem. Obviously, there was drama in the harem, people fighting for power and positions. It got downright visious at times. But the character development was amazing, and the storyline were riveting. I can't wait to watch it again!
Review of Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace
