He li hua ting

One of my favorite drama in a long time! Great story and I like how the story focus more on the male roles, which is a great change from a lot of period dramas where the focus is on the lead female and the treacherous ways of the kingdom. The relationship between the king and the Crown prince; father and son. The inter turmoil of a dysfunctional family and the dynamic of each character. The plot twists keeps you on your toes throughout and how it end is just superb. I was really impressed with the costumes and the cinematography of the entire series. How many times can the crown prince cry is insane lol...

I love Chinese costume dramas. I've watched most of them and I really liked RN with a few exceptions. The acting is wonderful as are the production values. The Crown Prince is an engaging character who cries in most scenes. I still found him to be a compelling actor to watch. I passed two bar exams but had trouble following the plot on occasion. I don't know whether it was the fault of subtitling decisions or what but more than a few times I couldn't understand plot jumps. I would still have watched the whole 60 episodes.

Royal Nirvana has probably the most beautiful soundtrack of all Chinese dramas. Roc Chen's background score is sublime; I still listen to it from time to time. The cinematography is amazing. That view at the end will remain in my head for a long time.

The story about a crown prince's struggles against political schemes is explosive. Luo Jin as Xiao Ding Quan gives a tour de force of a performance as a tormented crown prince. The political machinations are so well-written, I could only shake my head in admiration. The love story with Lu Wenxi/Abao (Li Yitong) is enchanting.

'Love this drama! Luo Jin should have swept all best actor awards with his superb performance of such a complex character. His crown prince is tortured, jovial, wise, rash, cunning, naive, sweet, romantic, but always engrossing to watch. The other performers don't disappoint either. The cinematography is breathtaking. The background music by Roc Chen is as sublime as those by John Williams, John Barry and Hans Zimmer. The political machinations show how injustice happens when those in power are more concerned about their vested interests than doing what is right. This made me wish I speak Mandarin as I think some bits of the story are lost in translation. It's worth staying up nights for.

I just think I would feel so betrayed & hurt if I was Maid Gu? And why hasn't he worked out who she is? Arghh!

I would of wrote this story so much better. The love between him and the one he marries, could played out better I was very angry. Yes she is always on his mind but not the point.

Also the torture the CP puts maid Gu through? That is not love? I really feel her.

I am enjoying it don't get me wrong but I feel emotionally drained and very angry that the CP would put her through all that. So many times I just wanted him to plot better and stand up for them both.

Maybe I am wrong. But my opinion, may all come together at the end.