Drama TeaStory of Kunning Palace review
Started watching: Nov 20, 2023
Final update Dec 5, 2023
There was a lot of buzz about the show so I decided to see what the fuss was all about. However, I eventually grew annoyed with the increasing overcomplexity of the plot. One needs to be in the mood for such things and I suspect I wasn’t. So, I bailed around episode 12 and escaped to Wonderland of Love.
I returned after I completed Wonderland, feeling completely satisfied by the good watch. I have to admit that I felt a lot of dread returning to Story of Kunning Palace. In fact, a lot of people advice me to drop it already because I don’t seem to like it. However, I am driven by the mystery that is Xie Wei.
And like Back from the Brink, the other drama I abandoned and later resumed, I found myself drawn back in. But what’s my final verdict? Stay tuned.
You can also listen to my podcast review of Story of Kunning Palace.
Note: If you have not watched the show yet, be sure to avoid the spoilerific Watch Log. Head on to the spoiler-free final review instead.
The story
Xuening was an empress in her former life, but she did many, many bad things to get there. It all ended badly with rebels invading the palace.
When she finds herself “reborn” into her 18-year-old self, she decides to lead “a good life” and do right by the people she had harmed in her past life.
Characters
The Xue family – A scheming, bloodthirsty lot whose sole purpose in life, apparently, is to bring disaster on everyone as they scrabble for power. Unfortunately, the empress dowager is from this family. Duke Xue is the main villain of the story. If there’s proof for “bad genes”, this is it.
The Yan family – An honourable military family and blood enemies of the Xues. A long time ago, they were connected by marriage, but not anymore. They are still grieving the loss of Xue Dingfeng, a young boy who died during a rebellion 20 years ago, andwas the son of the current Marquis Yan’s late sister and the Duke of Xue.
Xie Wei – a court official with mysterious motivations and plans
Jiang Xuening – an empress in her first life, she’s now an 18-year-old determined to avoid palace life
Zhang Zhe – honourable court official for the justice department.
Yan Lin – Xuening’s best friend and long-time admirer and scion of the Yan family.
Watchlog (beware of spoilers)
Read this part only after you’ve watched or while watching the Show. You’ve been warned!
Episode 1-6
So, I watched Only for Love first, and I have to say that Bai Lu is so much better here, it’s crazy. Bai Lu is very believable as an empress. The way she speaks, looks, and carries herself as an empress was very impressive.
Zhang Ling He is not bad. Here he is playing another cold, shady character. I would say that this is his best role to date, though I cannot say that he’s amazing like some fans say. I’m sorry, my friends, but he’s nowhere even near Hu Ge level. He has potential, but just slightly above average for now. For now, I feel that he has trouble emoting intense scenes and can overact during those scenes.
And they didn’t edit out that actor who had that scandal and caused Kunning Palace to be on hold? Good for him.
Wait what, there’s a modern scene in the middle of it all? Eh. What’s going on?? That was so weirdly jarring!
Joy of Life had the same thing and it threw me off completely because it makes it hard for me to buy the story.
Incidentally, we see a moth flying around the sleeping writer. Fun fact, in Chinese mythology moths are said to be the manifestation of the spirits of the dead. If we see a moth in the house after someone passes away, we are not to kill it because it is said to be the spirit of the person who just passed away, and they were visiting.
So, my theory is that the actual spirit of the empress, sparked by the writer (or maybe she influenced the writer) returns to the past. Without the writer as a catalyst, she couldn’t do that.
Liking it a lot so far. I find the cinematography interesting especially at the start, even if I found the premise (or how she reborns) hard to buy.
PS: Xuening is such a b***h. Even she admits that she was one. “I used to be so arrogant and difficult,” she says at one point.
My experience with the first six episodes of this drama can be summed up with this gif:
Episode 7
Initially, I thought Zhang Ling He did quite well with his dubbing. While he is not bad at playing a morally grey character, now I really think he needs to be dubbed because he sounds like he’s reciting a dictionary and has as much emotion doing it. I die a little each time I listen to him talk.
Bai Lu is slightly better but I hate to say it, but she’s also not good at emotional delivery.
Episode 8
I am at episode 8 of Story of Kunning Palace and I am starting to lose interest.
At first, it was novel to not know what the heck is going on and just experience this world of political intrigue but now I am annoyed. Probably because I am watching it at the end of the day when my brain cells at no longer powered up, but I can’t follow the story at all.
Unpopular opinion: The drama has a poor narrative structure.
I will continue to watch it as I do want to know what the hell is happening but this is tinged with a dash of resentment and annoyance 😂
I think people who like this drama likes the novelty of being in the dark and just being thrown around by the various plot twists. But I have no patience for this at the end of a tiring work day 😑
Episode 9
Am I the only one who feels that the sudden interest Xie Wei has for Ning’er very odd, especially since she found out about that jade scepter thing and his involvement in it?
Also, finally glad there’s an explanation of why Xie Wei was so cold to her despite their meeting four years ago. Can’t help but think it could be made clearer from the start.
Why is Yan suddenly cold and standoffish from Ning’er? Is it because he wants to protect her from his family’s shaky standing?
Episode 10
I realised what kind of drama Story of Kunning Palace is – a puzzle story! The kind of story where viewers try to solve the mystery as the story plays out.
I really do not like the empress dowager. So, Ning’er had to deal with her as a mother-in-law in her first life, I assume? Not fun!
Yes, I have more questions than opinions right now. I’m still at the “what the heck is goin’ on” stage.
I’m also not feeling the supposed vibe/attraction between Ning’er and Xie Wei yet. And I wish they could move away from the school setting lol.
Hmm … I think part of the reason why I do not seem to like this drama as much as I don’t really like palace intrigue, and I especially do not like cattiness between women which is why I avoid palace harem dramas. Well, not at this time of my life when I just want to be happy after work.
Episode 11
Why do I feel that the young child Marquis (who was tragically killed) is actually Xie Wei? Is that why he’s helping the Yan family? Because they’re literally his family?
I really shuddered at the story of the 300 souls who died in the rebellion. Honestly, I get really upset at the thought of kids being harmed in any way, and when I saw the poor boy’s mother crawling toward that fire pit, my heart about gave out.
Children harmed in shows can make me avoid it like a plague. I didn’t watch Game of Thrones because I accidentally watched a video on Youtube of a certain character being burnt at stake. That scene traumatised me.
Still, I have a feeling some of them are still alive and are somehow connected to Xie Wei – judging from his reaction.
Episode 12
At this point, I’m watching only because I want to know what the heck is going on with Xie Wei. I’m over the mean girls nonsense at the School for Spoiled Noblewomen, I’m tired of the palace politics, I’m tired of the scheming Xue family and I just want some meaty reveals to land, damn it. I’ve been told it gets better, and more reveals will be coming my way.
But to be very honest, I feel no emotion at all to most of the characters. Maybe a smidgen of curiosity about Xie Wei. But it’s like watching pieces moving in a game of Go, every character a featureless piece on the board.
To quote a person on mydramalist, where I sometimes hang out: “I’m emotionlessly watching right now.”
Episode 13-20
These episodes were a blur for me as all I can think of is: “Xie Wei be plotting.”
Episode 17
Perked up in this episode because blood was shed.
Goes to show I need mayhem and murder to stay interested.
Episode 21
Xie Wei probably thinking, “OMG why am I always rescuing Ning’er, damnit.”
Episode 22
Waitaminute so Ning’er’s cover story is that she and Zhang Zhe are siblings in love and are eloping? Uhm, yeah, I guess that’s a good cover story, I guess! (Zhang Zhe seems equally horrified by the cover story. Poor lad, his tender sensibilities have been terribly violated.)
I should re-listen to this bit because I think something is lost in translation here.
Meanwhile, me on the side of the rebels, wishing Duke Xue, his son and his army could be buried under the landslide.
Episode 23
Yes, Xie Wei, that’s the way to a woman’s heart: By threatening to kill her. * slow claps *
Episode 24
Ah,poor Zhang Zhe, you have second male lead syndrome so hard.
And the romance between the girl and that businessman is so sweet.
Episode 25
The fake Xue Dingfei plot is so delicious. To think that Duke Xue was actually wanted to kill his own son like he’s an inconvenient thing OMG 💀
Episode 27
I understand Xuening’s mum, truly. She loves her but just doesn’t know how to express it beyond yelling at her to improve.
Zhang Zhe to Xie Wei: “You’re very suspicious.”
Me: No shit, Sherlock!
Episode 28
Aww come on, Emperor. So you’re okay with one night of sex with that hellion in exchange for many nights of misery with the Xue family? Talk about priorities. And it’s kinda eeew because they’re close relations.
Also, the number of times women were slapped in this drama was … 💀
Episode 29
I cannot wait to see the Xue family’s bad end because I am 100% sure it’ll be terrible and I’ll be so happy.
Episode 30
LOL that eff up when Xie Wei’s men saw him giving Xuening a tender kiss. Yeah, boys, you guys better stay low for a few days.
Xuening is clearly afraid of Xie Wei due to her past life experiences with him. Can you fall for the person terrified you in your past life? I suppose that’s the deliciousness of this romance. (It’s not my thing, but I can see how it’s a thing for many people.)
Also. Is there some kind of cdrama law where it says that you cannot wipe off blood trails from your lips? It drives me bonkers when they don’t wipe it off. Is it like some kinda badge of honour??
Episode 32
OK I feel a smidgen of chemistry between Ning’er and Xie Wei. I suppose there’s hope for my icy heart after all 😂
Gosh my heart bleeds for Dingfei’s mum. No wonder she never recovered and no wonder he is so angry with the Xues. 😭
OK those CGI wild cats was rough 😆
So, yeah the kiss. Errr yeah I don’t know what to think about it. 😅 Not my thing I guess, forced kisses.
I guess he’s trying to scare her into leaving him. I think?
Yea I really do not understand why people are saying, oooh this is hot. Uhm noooo. Not for me, darlings.
Episode 33
Oooh the reunion between uncle and nephew. This was what I was waiting for. I don’t care about the romance between Xie Wei and Ning’er (sorry guys), but this? Yes this is what I was waiting for. 🥰
The princess is so brave. Now that’s a heroine I love.
Uh. Do people actually find this hot? 😅 (Shudders)
Episode 34
Okay, apparently I spoke too soon. My heart is indeed icy and utterly irredeemable, at least in the ways of Xie Wei + Ning’er fans (I kid, I kid, please unseathe your claws).
Xie Wei demanding to know why Ning er is afraid him while roughly pulling her around and hand-grabbing her by the neck? I don’t know dude, take a wiiiild guess??
Then he forces her to stab him and says, “Now, can you not be afraid of me?”
Girl, run. And oh yeah, if a dude makes you stab him and declares that’s enough to help you get over your fear over him. Tis not romantic, my girlfriends.
Okay, really, I am legit confused why anyone would think these two are couple goals 🤪🥴 Are we even watching the same show? 😶
I guess red flag guys are not my thing. At all 😬
Episode 36
Half of me is hate watching Show. The other half is loving it.
People are complicated beings.
LOLOLOL.
—
Fans of Xie Wei and Ning’er – squee they did it! It’s so hawt!
Me:
Episode 40
So I just finished Story of Kunning Palace. And my feelings can be summed up here:
While I super liked how the Xue family got dispatched (I play those scenes on repeat, cackling to myself), a big part of me is glad that it was all over and I can now slam the door behind me.
What I like about the show
- The revenge plot was the one that kept me watching the show. It was engrossing and mysterious. I did not care for the romance between Xie Wei and Ning’er at all and wish they’d left it out.
- The plot really picked up after episode 13 or so, especially after they leave the palace study group. If you find yourself frustrated, try stick around for that long and re-evaluate. I had to take a break and then return.
- Interesting side characters that do not feel useless.
- Scary effective villains that you will absolutely loathe and wish dead.
- The fight choreography, while making some of them look like supermen, is chef’s kiss at times.
- A satisfying ending where everyone gets their just desserts. No quickie five second flashes here!
What I didn’t like
- I think the narrative structure isn’t great. More could be done to establish what Ning’er was like before her “rebirth” so that the viewers are invested in her efforts to change her past. The use of flashbacks can be very difficult to keep track of.
- Zhang Ling He’s voice acting leaves a lot to be desired. I like his voice, but he sounds far too flat and emotionless. Bai Lu’s voice acting isn’t good either. I felt that they should’ve been better dubbed.
- Although I understand why the modern-day snippets were included (to pacify China’s censorship), they were so jarring I choose not acknowledge their existence.
- You know what I regret? Not wearing sunglasses while watching it cos the director’s love for intense lense flares and for shining the damn light strainght into the viewer’s eyes was giving me migraines. And that was not an exaggeration. I was getting actual headaches!
- The drama’s final arc felt really rushed. The final confrontation with the bad guys didn’t look realistic at all. Zhang Zhe was just standing around looking confused. Why was he even there, really?
- The long internal monologues that Xuening has – am not a fan. Again, it shows that the narrative structure needs work if you have to rely on info dump devices like these.
- Some character arcs were left hanging – the romance between the crown prince and Ning’er’s sister for one. That’s it??
- The limited OST. Hearing the same songs again and again and…
- Xie Wei and Ning’er’s romance does not elicit warm, fuzzy feelings in me. It borders on toxic. (Look at the final review below for why I feel this way.)
- I’m sorry but Zhang Ling He may have potential, but he’s not amazing here. Slightly above average perhaps, but he overacted a few scenes. I kept fantasizing having other actors play Xie Wei. Liu Xie Yi or Cheng Yi perhaps. Oh what it could’ve been.
Thoughts about the ending
Click to read spoilersI am utterly, completely shocked that this ended happily and mushily. But I feel that a show like this should end tragically or in an open-ended way to be tonally consistent. And I’m saying this as a softie for happy endings! I’m evil, I know.
I would’ve probably liked it if I liked or rooted for the couple, but lordie this couple’s romance is so problematic the happy scenes just didn’t land.
Final review
I think there are perfectly understandable reasons why I was turned off by this show. Besides its technical and storytelling flaws, I disliked many of the tropes in this drama:
- Scheming palace ladies
- Reverse harem
And most of all, this: A physically and verbally aggressive male lead.
I’ll come out and say this: Xie Wei and Ning’er’s relationship is very unhealthy. It taps into the girlhood fantasy of “reforming your man”. Spoiler alert: You can’t reform men like that, girlfriends. Trust me. Leave that to a shrink.
I understand how some people may look at it as an “opposites attract” thing, or that “he had such a hard life and is traumatised”, but to me, they are not good enough excuses to justify this behaviour.
So, I found it hard to overlook Xie Wei’s aggressive expressions of “love”. I’ve never been a fan of this thing that seemed so popular in Kdramas and CDramas: the hand grabbing, the physical yanking, the forced kisses, yelling or rough handling.
Call me old fashioned, but I prefer my leading men to be respectful of their ladies and treat them as equals worthy of respect. No treating them like immature kids that need schooling. No disrespecting their decisions. No physical aggresion. If this is a big thing for you like it is for me, you will have a hard time embracing Story of Kunning Palace’s central romance. And since it makes a large part of the story, a big part of it would be unpalatable for you.
I don’t care if someone calls me “overly sensitive” for this, but we should never, ever glorify abuse between couples of any kind and call it romantic. This trope needs to die.
Okay, but are other aspects of the drama watchable at least?
So, let’s say you ignore the romantic aspects of this drama and focus on the puzzle that is Xie Wei and what happened 20 years ago. If you’re in the mood to solve a mystery without being spoonfed, this is the drama for you. If you want to park your brain one side and just experience something or be swept away by the story, this may not be for you.
In one forum I was at, someone said they actually created a chart to keep track of the plot threads in the story. If that’s your jam, great, but if you are annoyed that you have to do all the work, this is definitely not for you.
Another puzzle drama that I can think of that did a better job with flashbacks was Westworld, season 1. Viewers are not fed the story, we do not know what happened, we are plonked in the middle of the story. The forums went mad with theories. It turns out that the story was actually told out of order, and the flashbacks were actually a story told out of order.
This drama does get better after we leave the petty court politics of the noble ladies’ study club around episode 15 or so, and when the revenge plot finally starts getting going and our characters literally move out of the confines of the palace into the world.
So, yes, I have a complex love-hate relationship with this drama. And if you’re confused about where I stand, I don’t blame you.
Should I have dropped this drama? Well, I thought the revenge plot was worth sticking around for, but it did get wobbly towards the end.
As a revenge drama, it is good enough. As a romance, it is problematic. Veeery problematic. 😬 I will rate the revenge plot an 8. But the romance line would be an abysmal 5 for me.
So, while I consider this drama slightly above average in a busy Cdrama season, its popularity was iverblown. Why it has become so popular with international fans will be filed under the folder “mysteries of the universe that I will never understand.”
And despite how it managed to hold my attention, how intriguing the plot twists were and the emotional gravitas of the whole revenge … I cannot overlook its many technical flaws – the bad directing decisions, the choppy narrative, the bloated first half and the rush towards the end …
This was a difficult drama to rate.
Here’s my verdict:
Final Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5
#25Stars #CDrama #cdramaReview #CDramas #China #ChineseDrama #CostumedDrama #TV
