The Virtuous Queen of Han

Episodes: 47

Synopsis: 

Wei Zi Fu is a lowly servant's daughter. Wei Zi Fu and her brother work at Princess Pingyang's manor and as a songstress, she was recruited to entertain Princess Pingyang and her brother (the emperor). Zi Fu immediately captivates her audience including Emperor Wu Liu Che who brings him to the palace. She learns to get along with others and avoid the problems in the harem using her intellect. Over the years, she deals with all sorts of plots to bring her down and builds up the reputation of being virtuous. Can a simple-minded but virtuous girl survive in the palace filled with deceitful courtiers and malicious intentions? 

Review: 

    This drama is said to be historically accurate for the most part. 47 episodes did seem like a lot to watch for me but I finished this drama without too much thought. Many people that commented were saying that this drama was flowing nicely and really entertaining. Although this drama was entertaining in many aspects, I also found that a lot of scenes dragged. I always felt like they talked too much, explained the politics too much, or just dragged out a scene with too much dialogue. However, I think that it did help to show the issues in politics and show how the characters would solve many of those problems. It also showed depth in the story allowing me to understand what exactly was going on and why the characters were getting uptight. 

     I thought the most interesting scenes took place in the harem. A bunch of woman sharing one powerful husband and all vying for attention and power...sounds like a good place to start drama. The empress was this spoiled brat and was trying extremely hard to be able to conceive a child. Her jealousy got the best of her most of the time but she does improve as the drama progresses (not that you see her often as it goes on). It just shows how catty someone could get because of jealousy and the insecurity of losing power. Wei Zi Fu uses kindness and her virtuous personality to win over others and get along with as many people as she could. This drama really emphasized the concept of family and how during those times, serving the husband was a big aspect in a woman's life (even if she has such a high status).
       In terms of costume, I thought everything was beautiful. The dresses were extravagant with beautiful designs. The robes were amazing. The clothing shows the progression of one's character as she rises or falls. A lot of the makeup and hair reminded me of ancient drawings. This drama tried to stay historically accurate in the costume and makeup of the people and I thought that was really nice to see. However, a lot of the eyebrows cracked me up because though it did look like the people in ancient paintings, it was still interesting to see it in person.
        I really liked the amount of trust between the emperor and Wei Zi Fu in the beginning. In history, that trust deteriorates when the emperor begins to get swayed by some corrupt officials and begins turning on his own family with the idea of witchcraft. Thankfully, this drama never reached that gruesome point. Therefore the love and trust between the main characters was extremely strong and comforting to see. The Princess Pingyang was also a great and strong character. Her personality truly outshines in almost every episode she is in and I shipped her with Zi Fu's brother so hard. The characters were probably the main reason I stayed. Their character depth really made them palpable characters that are easily adored.My favorite scenes from this drama is when justice got served and when the plan of evil characters backfire. All in all, I enjoyed this drama though I did think some scenes were slow.