this is my first review, and i just HAD to write it about this drama!!! I am a native chinese speaker so it was easier for me to understand, but i do have to make it clear (even though i've never watched it with english subtitles) that people who don't understand chinese will have a harder time really understanding it. that being said, it is a 11/10 type of drama. for me, it holds a special meaning because it is the first drama i've ever watched, and I have watched it over 8 times. Sun li's acting is absolutely incredible, and so is everyone else. My favorite female (besides FL) is definitely jiang xin who played hua fei, the concubine who almost always wears pink and is very sassy (and does some very terrible things). For those of you who have watched Yanxi Palace or Ruyi Palace, it is very similar. The timeline of this drama and Yanxi are the same, and the next generation is Ruyi. However, all three of these dramas are (mostly) historically inaccurate. If you are trying to learn the real history, go search for a textbook or videos online. Although there were some frustrating moments in the drama, it is literally so so good. definitely recommend everyone to watch (native speaker or not) and enjoy!!