Yes, the show is terrific. it's different from most shows that are or were on Chinese TVs as I remember. Because as a Vietnamese I was fed on Chinese dramas, the majority of which are about star crossed lovers, kungfu, palace intrigues...But this show is really a stand alone, and that's why many of my friends and my family don't really like it, it just doesn't follow a plot.
The main joy in watching the series as well as read the novel is the distractions: music, poetry, food, comic stories, painting. I was really doubled up in laughters whenever I see the servants bicker, or when Liu Laolao came to the garden, or at the biting and proud and sarcastic words of Qingwen or Daiyu. it's really a find to see myself laughing in a so-called tragic series and book.
For the most part of the Cao version is so funny, with only some deaths, but they are all heart-felt. I love Qingwen. The last 40 chapters are not good at all, all filled with deaths which do not bring me tears, even Daiyu's, Xifeng's, and devoid of poetry. So it is quite reasonable to make 30 episodes for 80 chapters and only 6 for the rest.
I confess the outcome of the director is much better than the book's. At least it is filled with tragedy, not like the book ending with everyone making up, and hailing the goodness of the king and monarchy. You know,the series does a great job juxtaposing, contrasting sadness and fun and so make both impressive.
