I loved the complexity of Li Shu. Due to her upbringing she has an obsession with power and is ruthless when trying to achieve her goal. But underneath it all she can also be hurt. Thinking about how she's a foil to Anle, Shen Xiao, and Cui Jinzhi just makes me appreciate her even more as a character. Also liked how Cui Jinzhi and Shen Xiao represents the dark and light sides of her. One wants to keep her rolling around in the filth and the other believes she can be pulled out of it.
Li Shu and Cui Jinzhi's relationship was so interesting to read. Both cared for each other but are also ruthless toward one another in pursuit of their political goals. Little comments here and there remind how well they know each other due to their 10 years of knowing each other. Even though they turned out on different sides of the political struggle you could still tell they cared for each other.
Shen Xiao's love for Li Shu was deep and steadfast. He sees who she is underneath her shell and believes that she can be pulled from the dark. I liked how it was shown that despite him being the top scholar and an upright official he can also be shy and flustered when in love. I get why Li Shu liked to tease him because it was so endearing.
Overall, I loved the complexity of the story and the characters. The story isn't really romance focused, it's more focused on politics. My only gripe is that I felt the story ended abruptly. I feel like the story could've used another chapter or two to tie things together . Also I'm greedy but I would've liked another chapter just of Li Shu and Shen Xiao's daily life after everything they went through.