STAND BY ME

Feminists would love to watch this series as most women here are portrayed as strong, intelligent and useful in the dynasty. To name a few, Qiu Yanzhi/ Wang Ruoqing (Rouling's sister) played by Xuan Lu is impressively intelligent. I admire how her character remain calm and unperturbed even during dangerous situations and she can think on her feet as the need arises. Cheng Xi played by Xi Xue is also a strong character who can train and control a group of women warriors but the only sad thing is, she is actually an antagonist.

The female lead character Cheng Ruoyu/ Wang Rouling is too sharp-tongued for my taste. Undoubtedly though, she is the fairest of them all and looks very impressive handling her weapon as sword-bearer. Zhang Yu Xi is remarkably fragile looking but is strong and healthy in her character.

Our lead male has been portrayed to be smart but is too weak in body and his power could not protect his people. In fairness though, Cheng Yi portrayed the character of Emperor Qi Yan very nicely from being extremely fit and strong down to when he is supposed to be really sick already.

Prince Huang played by Han Dong is my true hero in this story. I love the fact that he is human enough to be tempted by the crown but too humane to realize that what is important is not who is sitting on the throne but what can be done to bring the dynasty into an era of peace and prosperity. In short, he is not only highly intelligent and powerful but his heart is in the right place.

The main adversary Qiu Zi Jiang, a powerful eunuch played by Mickey He is actually a character that would really affect the viewers. He is amazing enough in that he can conceive all kinds of intellectual moves and implement them to keep his handle on things. That's why this series has been presented like a chess play. Those who love this game can certainly appreciate this detail.

Let me not forget to mention that all members of the Qi clan- royal family of Tang Dynasty, from the former emperor to the current one, Prince Huang, Prince An are all very handsome. Women and those women at heart would have a grand time feasting their eyes on masculine beauty and perfection.

The pacing of the episodes though could sometimes be boring. I think they could have made this shorter and fast paced. Also, I would have wanted a much happier ending for Stand By Me, where Yanzhi/ Rouqing will stay alive and become empress by marrying Prince Guang in the end while the original lovers Emperor Qi Yan and Rouling will also be together forever.

Well, some might appreciate the ending as it is so better take time to watch and be entertained by how interesting some people play the game of life.